Automatic bowling center system

ABSTRACT

A bowling center system includes a plurality of lane pair control systems each including a pinsetting device for each lane, a pinsetter control unit, a game control unit, a bowler input station and a pair of overhead display monitors. The game control unit is operable under the control of a game control program stored in a memory for automatically operating the pinsetter control units during game play to selectively set a sequence of pin patterns on the lane, which patterns may comprise any array of pins. The game control unit responsive to pin fall data received from the gamesetter generates scoring information which is displayed using video graphic displays on the overhead monitors. The game control program can be any one of a plurality of different game programs which may be downloaded to the memory from a memory associated with the manager&#39;s control terminal. According to the particular game program, the number of bowling frames the game may vary as well as the number of balls and pins utilized in each frame. The manager&#39;s control system provides accounting control over the bowling center system and is operable to override operation of a selected game control unit as necessary. A plurality of remote terminals are provided associated with selected ones of said lane pair control systems. Each remote terminal system includes a keyboard and a display monitor. The remote terminal operates under the control of the game control unit to allow a user thereof to enter requests for video displays. The video displays include, for example, ball trajectory displays which illustrate the path of the ball on the bowling lane, or dynamic displays, such as for training, generated by video source devices associated with the manager&#39;s control system.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/177,610, filed Jan. 5,1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,894, which is a continuation of priorpatent application No. 07/962,492, filed Nov. 23, 1992, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,450,318, which is a continuation of prior patent application No.07/724,793, filed Jul. 2, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,185, which is adivision of prior patent application No. 07/182,977, filed Apr. 18,1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,354.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a bowling center system, and moreparticularly to an automated bowling center system operable toautomatically control the operation of a pinsetter under control of abowling game program, to play a plurality of different bowling games andto provide bowling game instructional facilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bowling centers have evolved from systems which required the manualsetting of ten pins on the lane and manual scoring during game play, tosystems which utilize automatic pinsetting devices, such as described inHuck, et al U.S. Pat. No. 2,949,300, and ultimately to systems whichutilize automatic bowling scoring systems, such as described inGrosvenor et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,582,071.

Such prior bowling center systems often included a plurality of pairs ofbowling lanes, with each lane including an automatic pinsetter. Theautomatic pinsetter was operable to automatically control pinsettercycles within a bowling game. Particularly, under automatic control, thepinsetter at the beginning of each frame would set ten pins on the deck.The player would be permitted to roll a maximum of two balls to knockdown all of the pins. The frame ended after all of the pins were knockeddown or after two balls were thrown, whichever occurred first. The gameconsisted of ten such frames.

Prior automatic score consoles were coupled to both pinsetters in thelane pair for automatically processing pin fall information for the twolanes and displaying bowler's scores on score console monitors and onoverhead CRT displays. Suitable interconnections were provided betweenthe score console and pinsetter so that pin fall information could betransmitted from sensing devices associated with the pinsetter to thescoring console.

In order for such prior automatic pinsetters to be utilized in apractice bowling mode, a selective pinsetting control mechanism, such asdescribed in Rogers, U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,345, permitted a bowler tomanually select which pins would be set on the deck for practicebowling. With such a mechanism, the bowler could selectively play asingle ball, or two balls, in order to try and knock down all of theselected pins. Such a mechanism is operable to set a selected array ofpins only responsive to a manual request from the bowler.

Certain known automatic pinsetters include hard wired control circuitsdesigned to implement the operation of the conventional ten pin bowlinggame, or provide for practice bowling. These control circuits are notoperable to selectively set different arrays of pins during the playingof a bowling game. Therefore, such automatic pinsetters are limited intheir ability to provide variation in the method of operation of aparticular bowling game.

Prior bowling center systems also included a manager's control consolein electrical communication with the score consoles. The primaryfunction of the manager's control console was to provide administrativecontrol over the operation of the automatic pinsetters and the scoreconsoles. For example, the prior manager's control console was utilizedto provide lane status report information, to upload the video scoredisplay from any score console and to provide score correction for aparticular score console. Such score correction necessitated thatbowling at the particular lane be halted until the score correction wascomplete and sent back to the score console. The manager's controlconsole also included provision for displaying messages at a preselectedscore console, to transfer lane scoring information from one scoreconsole to another, and provide for tournament display as by displayinga pair of lane scores on any selected number of overhead CRT'sthroughout the system. Additionally, the manager's score consoleprovided for activity and error logging related to system operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a bowling lanesystem is operable to automatically control the operation of a pinsetterduring game play to automatically set a preselected array of bowlingpins which may comprise any number less than a predetermined number ofbowling pins.

A bowling center system according to the one aspect of the invention isoperable to automatically control the operation of a bowling game, whichbowling game may use less then ten pins in any frame. The systemincludes a pinsetting apparatus for setting up to ten bowling pins on abowling lane. Means are coupled to the pinsetting apparatus forcontrolling the pinsetting apparatus to set a preselected array ofbowling pins, which preselected array may comprise less than ten bowlingpins. A game control means is coupled to the controlling means forimplementing the operation of a bowling game, the game control meansincluding means for automatically preselecting an array of pins to beset during operation of the bowling game.

More specifically, a bowling center system according to the one aspectincludes an automatic pinsetter operable under the control of aprogrammed pinsetter control unit to set up to ten pins on the bowlinglane. The pinsetter control unit is electrically connected to a gamecontrol unit. The game control unit includes a central processing unitand a memory, the central processing unit being operable to implement abowling game according to a bowling game program stored in the memory.The game control unit is also electrically connected to a video displayunit for displaying bowler scoring information as determined by a pinsensing device associated with the pinsetter control unit. A bowlerinput station is also connected to the game control unit for enteringbowler information. The game control program is operable during gameplay to periodically command the pinsetter control unit to set apreselected array of pins, which array may comprise less than ten pins,according to the logic of the particular game being played.

Another feature of the present invention is that the game control unitis operable to play any one of a plurality of different bowling games.Means are included for selecting which of the bowling games are to beplayed at any given time by the game control unit.

Another feature of the present invention is that the game control unitautomatically determines the score of a bowling game dependent on ascoring algorithm for the selected bowling game being played.

According to another aspect of the invention, a bowling center system isprovided which is operable to download any one of a plurality ofdifferent bowling game programs from a manager's control terminal to agame control unit.

More specifically, the bowling center system includes a plurality ofbowling lanes and an electrically controlled pinsetting device for eachlane. A plurality of game control units are provided, each electricallyconnected to one or more of the pinsetting devices. Each game controlunit includes a central processing unit, a display device, an operatorinput station and a memory for storing a game control program. Amanager's control terminal unit includes a programmed central processingunit connected to a memory, the memory storing one or more game controlprograms. Communication means are provided for electrically connectingthe processing unit of the manager's control terminal with theprocessing units for each of the game control units. Means are includedelectrically connected to the communication means for requesting themanager's terminal processing unit to transfer one of the game controlprograms stored in the memory thereof over the communication means tothe memory coupled to one of the game control units so that the gamecontrol unit operates the pinsetter connected thereto to play the onegame.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a bowlingcenter system is provided including a manager's control terminal havingan input terminal connected thereto which is operable to interactdirectly with any game control unit.

More specifically, the bowling center system includes a plurality ofbowling lanes, each having a pinsetting device associated therewith. Aplurality of game control units, each connected to one or more of thepinsetting devices, include a central processing unit coupled to adisplay device and a bowler input device for providing bowlerinteraction with the game control unit operation. A manager's controlterminal includes a central processing unit coupled to a display deviceand an operator input terminal communication means are provided forelectrically connecting the central processing unit of the manager'scontrol terminal with the central processing unit for each of the gamecontrol units. Switching means are provided coupled to the game controlunits and the display devices for selectively coupling the manager'sinput terminal and display device to a selected one of said game controlunits so that said manager's control terminal input device interactsdirectly with the bowling game for the selected game control unit.

It is still another feature of the present invention that a bowling gamecan continue to be played even after the manager's control inputterminal is operable to interact directly with the operation of theselected bowling lane.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a bowling centersystem includes a manager's control device which is operable to controlthe transmission of video display signals from a plurality of videodisplay sources over a communication network to any one of a pluralityof video display terminals.

Broadly, according to this aspect of the invention, there is disclosedherein a manager's control terminal for operating a video display systemincluding means for generating a plurality of video display signals eachrepresenting a dynamic video display. A plurality of video displayterminals remotely located from the manager's control terminal areoperable to display dynamic video displays responsive to a receivedvideo signal. Means are included for selecting one of the dynamic videodisplays to be displayed on one of the display terminals. A videocommunication network is coupled to the manager's control terminal, theselecting means and the display terminals. The manager's controlterminal includes means responsive to the selecting means for commandingthe generating means to transmit over the network the video signalrepresenting the selected one of the displays. Switching means coupledin the communication network are provided for switching thecommunication network to cause a selected one of the display terminalsto receive the selected transmitted video signal in order to display theselected video display.

More specifically, the video display system includes a memory device forstoring data which represents a plurality of dynamic video displays.Such memory means may include video disks. The video source, such as adisk player converts the data on the memory means to a video signalrepresentative thereof. The manager's control terminal is in electricalcommunication with the video source devices and includes commands forinstructing the sources to generate a display signal representing aselected dynamic video display. One or more video switches are connectedto the video sources using a plurality of video communication lines.Each switch is also connected to one or more video display monitors.Operator input means are provided for selecting a video display to bedisplayed on a selected video monitor. The video switches are incommunication with the manager's control terminal and are operable toselectively connect a video source to a video monitor so that theselected video monitor can display a selected video display responsiveto a received video signal from the video source.

Another feature of this aspect of the invention is that the videodisplay system is utilized in a bowling center system wherein aplurality of automatic scoring terminals are connected to the manager'scontrol terminal. A plurality of video display terminals associated witheach scoring terminal are connected to a video switch. The video switchis operable under the command of manager's control terminal to display aselected video display at any video display terminal in the bowlingcenter system.

According to a yet another aspect of the invention, a bowling centersystem is provided including a plurality of bowling lane pairs and ascore control unit for each lane pair having a score display device. Amanager's control terminal has a central controller device, a displaydevice and a memory storage device. The manager's control terminal isconnected with each of the score units for transferring datatherebetween. A plurality of display terminals are remotely locatedrelative to the manager's control terminal and the score control unit,and are connected to the transferring means to display informationrepresenting data received from the transferring means. A plurality ofoperator input means, one for each of the display terminals, is coupledto the transferring means for transmitting requests to the manager'scontrol terminal or the scoring terminals. A switching means is coupledto the transferring means for transmitting data from the transferringmeans to one of the display terminals responsive to a request from theone display terminals associated operator input means.

Further features and advantages of the invention will readily beapparent from the specification and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram representing an overview of abowling center system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram representation for the manager'scontrol system and the video/audio control system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of the lane pair control systemof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, with parts removed for clarity, of anautomatic pinsetting apparatus;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view similar to that of FIG. 4 taken from anopposite side of the pinsetting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a generalized block diagram representation of a gamesetterelectrical control for controlling a pair of pinsetters;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for the common box of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for the gamesetter CPU board of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the gamesetter I/O board of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the high voltage interface box of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a pinsetting operation performed by thegamesetter of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 12A-12D comprise a detailed block diagram for a gamemaker gamecontrol unit and manager's computer according to the invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram representation of a communications interfacecircuit;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram representation of a bowler input station;

FIG. 15 illustrates a bowler input station keyboard overlay;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram representation of a video switch according tothe invention;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a circuit for the video input switchblock, the video output switch block and the audio switch block of FIG.16;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a circuit for the monitor switch blocks ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a circuit for the control decoder block ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a remote area terminal;

FIG. 21 is a ball trajectory data management schematic diagram;

FIG. 22 illustrates the data fields for an information frame fortransferring data on a communication line;

FIG. 23 illustrates the data fields for the transfer of data between themain central processing unit and the communications central processingunits;

FIGS. 24A-24C comprise a flow diagram illustrating the operation of theoperating system for the gamemaker;

FIGS. 25A-25H comprise a flow diagram illustrating the operation of aprogram for a simulated golf game;

FIG. 26 illustrates a graphic display format for the simulated golf gamefor display on the overhead monitor;

FIG. 27 illustrates a graphic display format utilized in conjunctionwith an alternative golf game program;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram representation of a process overview forsoftware operations of the manager's computer;

FIG. 29 illustrates a graphic display format for a ball trajectorydisplay;

FIG. 30 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a videosubsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a balltrajectory management subsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a game filedownloading procedure according to the present invention; and

FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a remote scorecorrection operation according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION General Description

The game of bowling is played on a bowling lane which typically includesan automatic pinsetter operable for setting ten pins on the lane at thestart of a game. In a conventional ten pin bowling game, each bowler isallowed to roll two balls in an attempt to knock all of the pins down.The throwing of two balls constitutes what is known as a frame, exceptthat three balls may be permitted in the tenth frame, and the completionof ten frames comprises one game. The player's score is determinedaccording to the number of pins which are knocked down in each frame.The scoring may be accomplished by manually counting the number of pinswhich have been knocked down. In a bowling center including an automaticscoring system, the score is automatically computed and displayed on asuitable displaying screen or printed out using a printing device.

A bowling center system according to the present invention includesprovisions for playing numerous different bowling games utilizing anautomatic pinsetter and automatic scoring system wherein each frame maypermit the throwing of more or less than two balls, and may utilize anynumber less than or equal to ten bowling pins comprising any patternthat the pinsetter is capable of setting. Also, the system is providedwith an interactive display system which enables dynamic video graphicsto be selectively displayed on various system display monitors fortraining purposes and the like.

Overview

General System Overview

With reference to FIG. 1, a generalized blocked diagram represents anoverview of a bowling center system 10 according to the presentinvention. The bowling center system 10 includes a plurality of bowlinglanes 12, each having a conventional approach 13. Particularly, a totalof N+1 lanes are provided, wherein lanes are grouped in pairs.Particularly, lanes 1 and 2 comprise a lane pair, lanes 2 and 4 comprisea lane pair, lanes 5 and 6 comprise a lane pair, etc., etc., and lanes Nand N+1 comprise a lane pair.

Associated with each lane is an automatic pinsetter 14. The twopinsetters 14 of each lane pair are electrically connected to a lanepair control system 16. The lane pair control system 16 operates bothpinsetters 14 to set a desired array of pins according to the bowlinggame being played, and to provide automatic scoring for the bowling gamebeing played. Also connected to each lane pair control system 16 is abowler input station 18 which is used by a bowler to enter informationto be transmitted to the lane pair control 16. The bowler input station18 is physically located near a bowler staging area 19 immediatelyadjacent the associated approach 13. Conventionally, this is the areaoccupied by the bowlers as they await their turn to bowl, keep score,etc. A respective overhead display monitor 20L and 20R is provided forthe left and right lanes of each lane pair to display scoring and othertypes of information. Additionally, a remote, or social area, terminal21 including a display monitor 22 and an associated keyboard 24 areelectrically connected to the lane pair control 16 but are remotelylocated relative to the bowling lane 12. The remote terminal 21 may beutilized, as discussed more specifically below, to permit nonbowlers tobe provided with training or other information relative to bowling ingeneral or to a particular bowling game. Such remote terminals 21 mightbe located anywhere in a bowling center, including possibly social areas25. Social areas 25 may be provided for all or less than all of the lanepairs as desired, but generally, each will include both a remote monitor22 and a keyboard 24. Each social area 25 is a less active area than abowler staging area 19 in the sense that occupants of the social areamay be there for any of a variety of purposes including bowling andnonbowling purposes. For example, for bowling purposes, they may receivegame information, instructional information or even video informationdepicting a game being played elsewhere in the bowling establishment onthe monitor 22. Alternatively, other video information, such as TV orcable TV programs may be displayed on the monitor 22. As still a furtheralternative, the social areas 25 may be utilized solely for relaxation,the consumption of food or beverages, conversation or the like.

Generally speaking, a social area 25 is more remote from the associatedlane pair than is the corresponding staging area 19. This is due to thenature of a number of the uses mentioned above. At the same time, it isfrequently desirable that a social area 15 be in fairly close proximityto at least the associated staging area so that a person receivinginstruction in a social area 25 may readily move to the associatedstaging area 19 and begin to make use of that instruction on one or bothof the lanes of the lane pair.

Frequently, but not always, a social area 25 may be disposed in an areaof a bowling establishment conventionally utilized to house spectators,i.e., immediately adjacent a staging area 19 on the side thereof that isremote from the lane pair.

To the extent that a social area 25 is utilized in such a way as torequire interaction with the automatic bowling center system of thepresent invention, the associated keyboard 24 is utilized for thatpurpose.

A manager's control system 26 communicates with each of the lane paircontrol systems 16 over a global communication line, or COM line, 27.The manager's control system 26 is typically located at a bowling centermanager's control desk, or MCD, and provides accounting control of thebowling lanes as well as the ability to download game information to thelane pair control system 16. The manager's control system 26communicates over a manager's local communication line, or COM line, 29to a video/audio control system 28. The video/audio control system 28 isconnected over a global video/audio distribution bus 30 to each of thelane pair control systems 16. The video/audio control system 28 iscontrolled responsive to commands from the manager's control system 26to transmit video/audio information to the lane pair control system 16for subsequent display on the monitors 20L, 20R or 22.

Various of the devices, components, circuits or the like describedherein are utilized in the bowling center system associated with theleft lane and the right lane of each lane pair, and the remote or socialarea. Accordingly, any similar elements are referenced using identicalreference numerals including the respective suffixes L, R or S whenassociated with the left lane, right lane or remote or social area. Forsimplicity of discussion, the suffixes may be omitted in thespecification wherein the particular discussion relates equally to anyof the like devices. Similarly, the manager's control system 26 includesdevices, components, circuits or the like corresponding to those at lanepair control 16. Although the manager's control system 26 is not brokendown as is the lane control unit 16, i.e., left, right or social area,similar suffixes are utilized relative thereto to maintain consistencybetween any discussion relating to a lane pair control system 16 and themanager's control system 26.

Manager's Control/Video Control

With reference to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a more detailed blockdiagram representation for the manager's control system 26 and thevideo/audio control system 28.

A programmed manager's computer 32 is connected to the global COM line27, as discussed above, to communicate with up to sixty-four lane paircontrol systems 16, for a total of one hundred twenty eight lanes ofbowling. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, amaximum of sixty-four lane pair control systems 16 are utilized.However, the COM line 27 can support up to two hundred and fifty lanepair control systems, as is discussed more specifically below. Theperipheral devices connected to the manager's computer 32 include aleague record service, or LRS, computer 34 and a modem 36. The leaguerecord service computer 34 provides the ability to transfer scoringinformation which is utilized for operating a bowling league. The modem36 permits a remotely located service facility to diagnose and correctproblems in the manager's computer 32. A detailed description of themanager's computer 32 is provided below.

A plurality of RS232 type communication interface units 38 and up tothree bowler input stations 42 are connected to the manager's local COMline 29. Electrically connected to the interface units 38 are up tothree keyboards 44, a video switch 40, up to ten score sheet and/or tencoupon printers 46, a DTS interface board 48 and multiple DTS cashregisters 50 coupled thereto, and up to seven video source devices 52,such as video disk or tape players. Score sheet printers are used toprint bowler score sheets in a graphic format. Coupon printers are usedto provide coupons or prize awards according to, for example, a bowler'sperformance. Illustratively, a bowler may be awarded a free soft drinkfor exceeding a preselected score.

Each of the video source devices 52 transmits a composite video signalon a conventional video transmission line 53 and an audio output signalon a conventional audio line 54. The video lines 53 for three of thevideo devices 52 are connected to SCORE IN terminals of the video switch40. The video lines 53 of the remaining video sources 52 are connectedto input ports of a video driver 56. Also connected to input ports ofthe video driver 56 over a line 60 are three SCORE OUT ports of thevideo switch 40. The video driver 56 includes seven output portsconnected to a video transmission line 61 of the global video/audio bus30. Four of the video driver output ports are also connected to fourVIDEO IN ports of the video switch 40. An audio driver 62 includes seveninput ports connected to the video source audio lines 54. The audiodriver 62 includes seven output ports connected to an audio transmissionline 68 for transmitting audio information over the global video/audiobus 30. The video switch 40 includes three additional VIDEO IN portsconnected to a score video transmission line 70, also part of the globalvideo/audio bus 30.

The manager's computer 32 develops RGB video signals over video lines58L, 58R and 58S which are connected to the video switch 40. Alsoconnected to the video switch 40 over video lines 59L, 59R and 59S arerespective RGB monitors 72L, 72R and 72S.

The manager's computer 32 controls switching of the video switch 40 andoperation of the video sources 52, as is discussed more specificallybelow, responsive to requests from lane pair control systems 16 toallocate the transmission of audio and video signals to selectedmonitors 20L, 20R, 22 or 72 in the system.

Associated with each monitor 72 is a keyboard 44 and a remote bowlerinput station 42. The monitor 72 can be used in conjunction therewithfor displaying such information as the status at any or all lanes at anygiven time. For example, an overview display indicates the status of thecurrent game being played at all lanes. Also, the keyboard is utilizedto enter commands to download game software from the manager's computer32 to a lane pair control system 16, and also to start, stop or continueoperation of a game. The monitors 72 are also utilized to displayscoring information which is transmitted from a lane pair control system16, and provide for correction of the scoring information. Particularly,the keyboard 44 or bowler input station 42 may be utilized to entercorrected data which can then be transmitted back to the particular lanepair control system 16.

Lane Pair Control

With reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a more detailed blockdiagram representation for the lane pair control system 16 of FIG. 1.

The lane pair control system 16 is operable for each lane pair toautomatically control the operation of the pinsetters 14 in accordancewith commands and software received from the manager's computer 32 overthe global COM line 27 and operator input requests made at the bowlerinput station 18. Particularly, the lane pair control system 16 operatesthe pinsetter 14 for each lane independently to play any one of aplurality of different bowling games. Although the lane pair controlsystem 16 is described herein as controlling two pinsetters 14, the lanepair control system 16 could be used to control any number of pinsetters14.

Each lane pair control system 16 includes a video switch 73 which issimilar to the video switch 40 at the manager's control desk. The videoswitch 73 is connected to and is controlled by a game and scoringcontrol unit 74, referred to hereinafter as a gamemaker, and includesseven VIDEO IN ports connected in series with seven VIDEO OUT ports tothe global video transmission line 61. Similarly, seven AUDIO IN portsand series connected AUDIO OUT ports are connected to the global audiotransmission line 68. Accordingly, the video and the audio signals fromthe manager's control desk video driver 56 and audio driver 62 aretransmitted over the respective global video and audio lines 61 and 68to the video switch 73 at each lane pair, in a multidrop configuration.The score transmission line 70 is also connected to three SCORE IN andthree SCORE OUT ports on the video switch 73. The score videotransmission line 70 is used to transmit display information from anylane pair control system 16 to the manager's computer 32 for display onthe monitors 72 and for retransmission to other lane pair controlsystems 16 in tournament bowling.

The global COM line 27 from the manager's computer 32 is electricallyconnected to the gamemaker 74 of each lane pair control system 16. Thegamemaker 74 is a computing device similar to the manager's computer 32.The gamemaker 74 acts as a master station on a gamemaker local COM line75 which is connected to a pinsetter control unit 76, referred tohereinafter as a gamesetter, for the two lane pair pinsetters 14. Thegamemaker 74 and gamesetter 76 together control automatic operation ofthe pinsetters 14, as is discussed in greater detail below, to implementoperation of any one of a plurality of different bowling games and toprovide scoring information for the particular game.

The gamemaker local COM line 75 is connected to the bowler input station18, a ball trajectory unit 80 and to an RS 232 communication interfacecircuit 78 which is connected to the remote keyboard 24. The balltrajectory unit 80 tracks the passage of the ball as it moves down thelane and provides ball tracking data to the gamemaker 74.

The remote monitor 22 associated with the remote keyboard 24 isconnected to AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT ports on the video switch 73 forreceiving respective audio and video signals therefrom. Additional VIDEOOUT ports from the video switch 73 are connected to the left and rightlane overhead monitors 20L and 20R through conventional video buffercircuits 82, if necessary, or desired. The lane overhead monitors 20Land 20R are utilized to display scoring and other information relativeto a bowling game being played on its associated lane. The remotemonitor 22 may be utilized in conjunction with its keyboard 24 fortraining purposes or for providing information relative to a bowlinggame being played at either its associated left or right lane.

The gamesetter 76 receives commands from the gamemaker 74 to operate theautomatic pinsetters 14 in accordance with a bowling game program.Particularly, the gamesetter 76 is connected to the pinsetters 14through high voltage converting circuits 84. Also connected to thegamesetter 76 are a pin scanner 86, a ball trigger sensor 88, a fouldetector 92, a player control station 93 and a common box 96. The pinscanner 86 is an optical type scanner of known form which senses thepins standing on the deck at any given time. The foul detector 92, whichmay be an optical sensor of known form, provides an indication when abowler has stepped over the foul line while throwing a ball. The balltrigger sensor 88 triggers when the bowling ball has been played by thebowler. The common box 96 is connected to a main power source forproviding power to the video switch 73, the gamemaker 74, the gamesetter76 and the high voltage converters 84.

System Description--Lane Pair

Pinsetter

The pinsetter 14 for each lane is an automatic bowling pin handlingapparatus. The pinsetter 14 is operable to set up to a maximum of tenpins in the conventional bowling triangular configuration or array. Inthe preferred embodiment, the pinsetter 14 comprises the Brunswick ModelGS10 pinsetter. The machine operation of the GS10 pinsetter is describedin the Brunswick GS10 Operation and Service Manual dated July, 1986,Part No. 47-902705, which is incorporated by reference herein. However,the electronic control system of the GS10 pinsetter is replaced by thegamesetter 76 described in detail herein.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, selected portions of the BrunswickModel GS10 pinsetter are illustrated in order to describe operationthereof which may be necessary to the understanding of the operation ofthe bowling center system according to the present invention.

The pinsetter 14 includes a pin elevator 100 which receives pinsrandomly from a conventional pit conveyor (not shown) and elevates themto a pin turn 102 which orients the pins base first and deposits theminto a pin chute 104 which, in turn, delivers them into a distributor106. The distributor 106 delivers the pins to ten pin stations foreventual unloading to a setting table 108. The setting table 108includes ten tipping baskets, one for each pin, for holding bowling pinswhich are to be set on the lane. Such a tipping basket is described inSchmid et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,398, the specification of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein. Each tipping basket includes aswitch operable to sense the presence of a pin P, and a solenoid whichoperates a pair of flaps which controllably engage the neck of a pin Pprior to setting it on the deck. A scissors is used to lift a standingpin when the deck is to be swept and to release a pin for respotting.

The setting table 108 is movably mounted so that it may be lowered todetect a strike or standing pin condition, to pick up and then respotstanding pins after a rake 110 has removed fallen pins, or to set newpins. Accordingly, the setting table 108 moves in a controlled shortstroke for detecting, picking up and resetting standing pins, and movesin a longer stroke for setting new pins.

After a ball B has been played, a ball cushion 112 stops forward motionof the ball and subsequently passes the ball B to a ball accelerator114, common to both lanes in a pair, which propels the ball down thetrack to a ball lift (not shown) at the bowler staging area 19 orapproach 13.

A gear train assembly 116 positioned above the distributor 106 isprovided as a drive mechanism responsible for operating moving parts onthe pinsetter 14. The gear train assembly 116 includes a distributormotor, a sweep motor, a setting table motor, and associated shafts,gears, belts, chains, etc. Also, the gear train includes a switch camcluster assembly 115 which includes four setting table position normallyopen contact switches (not shown), Switches A, B, C and D, which areattached to sense four preselected setting table positions.Specifically, Switch A represents the highest table position, Switch Bthe middle table position, Switch C the lowest table position, andSwitch D also the middle table position. The switches are operated by acam shaft driven by the setting table motor. Two middle positionswitches are provided, Switch B and Switch D, in order to determine thedirection of rotation of the setting table motor which is dependent onthe particular cycle being performed. Particularly, when the settingtable motor is moving left the order of switch closures is A-B-C-D-A.Conversely, when the setting table motor is moving right the order ofswitch closures is A-D-C-B-A.

Gamesetter

With reference to FIG. 6 there is illustrated a generalized blockdiagram representation of the electrical and electronic componentsutilized in conjunction with the gamesetter 76 for controlling twopinsetters 14 for a left lane and a right lane in a lane pair. Since thespecific components related to either lane are identical, only those forone lane are discussed in detail herein.

As discussed above, the gamesetter 76 communicates data to and from thegamemaker 74 over the local COM line 75. The gamesetter 76 is alsoconnected to the pin detecting optical scanner 86, the foul detector 92,the player control station 93, the high voltage box 84 and the commonbox 18. The high voltage box 84 acts as a high voltage interface betweenthe gamesetter 76 and input and output devices associated with thepinsetter 14.

With reference also to FIG. 7, the common box 18 includes suitableprovisions for coupling to a source 119 of three phase line power. Asingle phase of the power is supplied to the gamemaker 74. The threephase power is supplied directly therefrom to the high voltage boxes 84over conventional power lines 120. The common box 118 includesconventional DC power converter circuits 121 for providing regulated DCpower to the gamesetter 76 over a power line 122 and AC power to theoptical scanner 86 over a power line 123. A plurality of conventionaloptical coupler circuits 124 are connected to a gamesetter I/O board142, See FIG. 9, and receive control signals therefrom. The opticalcoupler circuits 124 are connected to conventional relay driver circuits125. Certain of the relay driver circuits are connected to peripheraloutput devices 127, such as a foul detector unit 92. The foul detectorunit 92 provides an indication when a bowler has stepped over the foulline. Conventional interface circuits 128 are connected to the relaydriver circuits 125 for converting control signals to suitable voltagelevels for operating a conventional ball lift device 126 and the ballaccelerator 114.

With reference also to FIG. 8, a block diagram for a gamesetter CPUboard 130 is illustrated. Particularly, the CPU board 130 includes anIntel 8344 CPU 131 connected to a watchdog timer circuit 132 and to abus 133. The bus 133 transmits both address and data information.Connected to the bus 133 is a read only memory, or ROM, 134, a randomaccess memory, or RAM, 135, a multiple universal asynchronous receivertransmitter, or MUART, 136, respective write and read latch circuits 137and 138, and a programmable communications interface, or PCI, circuit139.

The intel type 8344 CPU is a remote universal interface processor whichincludes a type 8051 CPU incorporated therein. The 8344 CPU 131 isconnected through a COM line buffer circuit 145 to the gamesetter I/Oboard 142 for connection to the gamemaker local COM line 75. As such,the CPU 131 serves as a communication sub-system controller on the localCOM line 75. Also, the CPU 131 operates in accordance with a controlprogram, described in greater detail below, for implementing control ofthe pinsetter 14.

The ROM 134 stores the CPU program which controls pinsetter operationsin any one of five modes. A normal mode of operation requirescommunications between the CPU 131 and the gamemaker 74. In theremaining four modes the gamesetter 76 operates the pinsetter 14 as astand-alone system for playing a bowling game without the use of thefeatures associated with the gamemaker 74. The RAM 135 temporarilystores data for use by the CPU 131 such as pin fall data received fromthe optical scanner 86 or the pinsetter switches. The RAM 135 alsooperates as a buffer for storing data to or from the local COM line 75.

The MUART 136 is an Intel 8256 multifunction microprocessor supportcontroller which provides multiple port bidirectional serial to parallelconversion of data. The MUART 136 is connected to function switches 141which are used to set the mode of operation of the gamesetter 76. TheMUART 136 is also connected to the I/O board 142 for interfacingperipheral devices such as the ball detector 88 and foul detector 92 tothe bus 133.

The write latch circuit 137 is connected to the gamesetter I/O board 142and transmits data as commanded by the CPU 131 to be output throughsuitable conversion circuits on the I/O board 142, as discussed below.The read latch circuit 138 is also connected to the gamesetter I/O board142 and acts as a buffer for storing information to be read from inputdevices connected to the gamesetter I/O board, as discussed below.

The PCI 139 is an Intel 8251 programmable communications interface whichis connected through an optical coupler circuit 143 to the opticalscanner 86. The optical scanner 86 is a photoelectric pin fall detectionsystem such as is described in Gautraud et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,825,749owned by the assignee of the present invention, the specification ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein. The scanner 86transmits serial pin fall data to the PCI 139. The 8251 is a universalsynchronous/asynchronous receiver transmitter designed for convertingserial data to parallel and vice versa, and signals the CPU 131 wheneverit is ready to accept data for transmission or whenever it has receiveddata to be read by the CPU 131. The CPU 131 accordingly controls theoperation of the scanner 86 and reads pin fall data therefrom. The CPU131 can also transmit information to the scanner 86 such as foridentifying standing pins in order to calibrate the scanner 86 to theexisting pin pattern. Identification of the standing pins for suchcalibration may be determined by the pinsetter setting table switches.

With reference to FIG. 9, a block diagram represents the interconnectionof elements for the gamesetter I/O Board 142. For simplicity, thegamesetter I/O board 142 illustrates the CPU board 130 as a blockthereon. A CPU read bus 146 and a CPU write bus 147 are shown as beingconnected to the CPU board 130. Particularly, the read bus 146 isconnected to the CPU board read latch 128, and the write bus 147 isconnected to the CPU board write latch 137, see FIG. 8. Respective readand write address decoders 148 and 150 are operatively connected to thebus 133 on the CPU board 130. A filter/latch circuit 151 includes aplurality of input ports connected through the high voltage box 84 to aplurality of pinsetter input devices, such as for example the pinswitches, setting table position switches and stop/set and powerswitches. Suitable filtering is provided to protect the circuits fromstatic problems and the high voltages required to operate the pinsetters14. The filter/latch circuit 151 continuously reads the on/off status ofeach input device and stores the status using conventional latchcircuits. When instructed to by the read address decoder circuit 148,the filter/latch circuit 151 transmits the status from the latchcircuits to the read bus 146 for transmission to the CPU board 130.

The write address decoder 150 is connected to an output buffer circuit152. The output buffer circuit 152 is connected to the write bus 147 andincludes latch buffer circuits for storing information received from thewrite bus 147, and a plurality of output ports connected through thehigh voltage box 84 to various output devices on the pinsetter, such asthe pin solenoids and motors. Also, output ports are connected to thecommon box 118 to operate selected peripheral control devices, asdiscussed above. When the address decoder circuit 150 reads an addresscorresponding to a particular output device, the address decoder circuit150 commands the output buffer to read new data from the write bus 147for controlling operation of the particular output devices.

A differential transceiver and filter circuit 153 connects the playercontrol station 93 to the MUART 136 on the CPU board 130. The playercontrol station 93 comprises an array of manually operated push buttonsand LED's, one for each pin, used to manually select an array of pins tobe set for practice bowling and to provide an indication to the bowlerof the current standing pins. The differential transceiver and filtercircuit 153 comprises a bidirectional serial communication port fortransmitting the pin standing information to the bowler, as well as forreceiving the manual pin setting selections for transmission to the CPU131.

A differential line transceiver circuit 154 is a bidirectional serialcommunication port which is connected to the gamemaker local COM line 75and is coupled through the COM line buffer 145 to the CPU 131. Thiscircuit 154 includes a COM line disconnect switch (not shown) forpermitting isolation from the gamemaker 74 if it is desired to operatethe gamesetter 76 in the stand-alone mode. The stand-alone mode may beutilized, for example, when the system is being serviced or when thegamemaker 74 is inoperative. A filtering/buffer circuit 155 is coupledto the ball detector 88 and foul detector 92 for reading the status ofthese input devices. Both the ball detector 88 and foul detector 92comprise optical sensors which transmit converted DC level signals. TheDC amplitude changes when the respective sensor senses that the ball hasbeen thrown or a foul has occurred. The filtering/buffer circuit 155 isconnected to the MUART 146 on the CPU board 130.

With reference to FIG. 10, a block diagram illustrates a circuit for thehigh voltage boxes 84. Each high voltage box 84 includes interfacecircuits which convert relatively low voltage signals from thegamesetter 76 to suitable voltages for operating the pinsetter 14. Thehigh voltage box 84 includes conventional optical coupler circuits 156connected to the output buffer circuits 152 of the I/O board 142. Theoptical coupler circuits 156 isolate the gamesetter 76 from the highvoltage box 84. The optical coupler circuits 156 are connected toconventional output driver circuits 158 for converting to necessaryvoltage to drive the pinsetter pin solenoids, motors and other devices.All input and output connections between the gamesetter 76 and pinsetter14 are made through a similar optical coupler circuit 159 in the highvoltage box 84. A conventional power circuit 160 is connected to thethree phase line 120 from the common box 118 for converting to thenecessary voltages utilized to drive the output driver circuits 158.

Gamesetter Operation

As discussed above, the gamesetter 76 is programmed to operate twoseparate pinsetters 14, one for the left lane and one for the rightlane. The two pinsetters 14 can be operated together to play a crosslane bowling game on two lanes, or can be operated independently to playtwo distinct bowling games.

The gamesetter ROM 134 stores software instructions to operate thepinsetters 14 to perform conventional machine operations used in abowling game. These machine operations include operations for readingthe pins, picking up the pins and sweeping the deck after a ball hasbeen thrown, and setting a new compliment of pins. In the normal mode ofoperation, discussed above, the gamesetter 76 receives commands from thegamemaker 74 to implement selective ones of the machine operations.Additionally, the ROM 134 stores four complete game programs which areused to operate the gamesetter 76 in a stand-alone mode. These fourgames include ten pin bowling, figures bowling, figures clearing bowlingand a bowling game used for diagnostics. The function switches 141, seeFIG. 8, are used to select whether the gamesetter operates in accordancewith one of the four stand-alone bowling games in the stand-alone mode,or in accordance with instructions from the gamemaker 74 in the normalmode. If the function switches 141 are set to play one of thestand-alone games, then the system is operable to run the game programassociated with the selected stand-alone game directly from the ROM 134.The CPU 131 thereafter operates in a conventional manner to controloperation of the pinsetter 14 responsive to the various input signalsand commands.

The stand-alone ten pin bowling game is the standard ten frame gamewhich is discussed above. Figures bowling comprises utilizing the playercontrol station 93 to select a particular pin pattern for practicebowling. Figures clearing is similar to figures bowling except that thebowler has as many chances as necessary to knock down all of the pins.

In the normal mode of operation, the gamesetter 76 communicates with thegamemaker 74 over the local COM line 75 to operate the pinsetter 14 toplay a game. Particularly, the gamemaker 74 transmits command signals tothe gamesetter 76 to control machine operations of the pinsetter to playa bowling game according to a program being implemented by thegamemaker, as discussed below. The gamesetter 76 in turn provides statusinformation from the pinsetter 14 to the gamemaker 74 according to theresults of the particular game being played.

The machine operation of the pinsetter 14, under program control, can becharacterized in three basic machine operations. These operations areidentical whether pinsetter 14 is operating in the normal mode under thecommand of the gamemaker 74, or in the stand-alone mode.

The first operation is a cycle for reading the pins that utilizes thesetting table 108 to determine which pins are standing. This operationis used, for example, in a system which does not include the opticalscanner 86 and, relies on conventional pin detecting switches on thesetting table 108. Movement starts with the deck in the uppermost orhome position, the scissors open and the rake up. Particularly, the"read the pins" operation performs the following steps:

1. Lock the ball door;

2. Start the distributor elevator;

3. Wait 0.5 seconds;

4. Drop the rake;

5. Wait 0.5 seconds;

6. Be sure that the rake is down and forward;

7. Wait 1.8 seconds;

8. Open the ball door;

9. Start the setting table motor turning left;

10. Four seconds after the start of the cycle, the setting table shouldbe in contact with the pin heads and the Switch B contact should beclosed;

11. Wait 240 milliseconds for the pin detecting switches to settle;

12. Read the status of the pin detecting switches and then store thestatus of each switch in the RAM 135; and

13. End read cycle.

A "pick up and sweep" operation may continue directly from the "read thepins" operation. Alternatively, if the "read the pins" operation is notnecessary, and the setting table 108 is in the home position, then the"pick up and sweep" operation utilizes steps 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10,above, and thereafter continues as follows:

14. Start setting table motor moving left;

15. Start to close scissors;

16. Look for closure of Switch D indicating that the pins have beenlifted from the deck;

17. Stop scissors closure;

18. Wait for Switch A to close, and then stop the setting table motor;

19. Start the rake to clear the fallen pins;

20. Wait 1 second;

21. Be sure that the rake is forward;

22. Turn the rake off;

23. Start the setting table motor moving right;

24. Look for switch D Closure;

25. Unlock the scissors;

26. Look for Switch B closure indicating that the pins are on the deck;

27. Release the scissors;

28. Look for Switch A to close and then turn off the setting tablemotor; and

29. End of pick up and sweep cycle.

Each of the above described operations is performed by the standard GS10pinsetter, except for writing the pin status to the RAM 135 in step 12.

With reference to FIG. 11, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe gamesetter 76 for performing a pin setting operation. This operationbegins after the deck has been cleared.

The pin setting operation begins at a decision block 160 whichdetermines whether or not it is necessary to set a new compliment ofpins. Normally, the pin setting operation is utilized at the beginningof a game and at the beginning of each frame. Also, if pins have beeninadvertently knocked down, or the pinsetter 14 has been accidentallyreset then the setting operation may be done. If no pin settingoperation is desired, then control exits the pin setting operation. Ifit is determined that new pins should be set, then at a block 161 thegamesetter 76 operates the pinsetter 14 to drop the rake. Subsequently,the setting table 108 is run through a cycle by starting the settingtable motor. When the cycle is performed, the pin solenoids areenergized so that the flaps are open. As the setting table movesupwardly at the end of the cycle, the flaps operate a lever which pushesup thereby permitting pins to drop from the distributor 106. At thecompletion of the setting table cycle, the rake is started at a block163. After a predetermined wait, at a block 164, the rake 110 is stoppedat a block 165. A decision block 166 recycles on itself until all tenpins, or until all pins needed to fulfill the selected pattern, havebeen loaded into the setting table 108 as determined by the settingtable tipping basket pin detect switches, discussed above.

Once the setting table 108 is full, as determined at the block 166, allof the pin solenoids are deenergized at a block 167. Subsequently, thesetting table motor is started at a block 168 to begin dropping of thesetting table 108 to set pins P on the deck. At a block 169 thepreselected pin pattern is read from the gamesetter RAM 135. Thepreselected pin pattern is ten pins in ten pin bowling, is manuallyselected by the player control station 93 in figures bowling and isautomatically determined by the gamemaker 74 in the normal mode ofoperation, as discussed in greater detail below.

Once the pattern data has been read, a decision block 170 waits for thepinsetter switch C to be closed indicating that the setting table 108 isin its lowest position. Once the pin setting table 108 is in the lowestposition it is ready to release the pins P. Therefore, at a block 171the pin solenoids corresponding to the pins of the preselected pinpattern, as read at block 169, are turned on. Resultantly, any suchselected pins are released and as the movement of the setting table 108continues, the pins in the positions where the solenoids have beenturned on remain on the deck. The non-selected pins are carried awayfrom the deck by the upward movement of the setting table 108. Adecision block 172 subsequently waits until the pinsetter switch B isclosed indicating that the pin setting table 108 is in its middleposition. Thereafter, the pin solenoids are turned off at a block 173.The pin solenoids are not turned off until the Switch B contact closesto prevent any selected pins from being removed from the deck bydeenergizing the solenoid too soon. Finally, a decision block 174 waitsuntil the pinsetter switch A has closed indicating the setting table 108is in the home position. Thereafter, the setting table motor is turnedoff at a block 175 and the pin setting operation is complete.

Gamemaker/MCD

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gamemaker 74and the manager's computer 32 utilize substantially identical circuits.Therefore, only a single type of device needs to be provided, resultingin the need for fewer spare parts and ease of servicing requirements.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate block diagram representations for an electroniccircuit for the gamemaker 74 and manager's computer 32. For simplicity,the discussion herein refers only to the gamemaker 74, although all suchdiscussion is also applicable to the manager's computer 32, except wherespecifically noted.

With reference to FIG. 12A, the gamemaker 74 has a type 68000 maincentral processing unit (CPU) 200. The main CPU 200 operates in a knownmanner to control all of the address and data lines in the system andgenerate all the timing strobes required to access the memory andperipheral devices connected thereto. The memory for the main CPU 200consists of a dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, 202, anelectrically programmable read only memory, or EPROM, 204, and a CMOSRAM 206. The main CPU 200 addresses data stored in the DRAM 202 byoutputting an address on an address bus, or A BUS, 208 which is coupledto the DRAM 202 through a DRAM controller 210. The DRAM 202 responds toan address by outputting data to the main CPU 200 through a latchcircuit 211 to a sixteen bit data bus, or D BUS, 212. The latch circuit211 comprises a pair of conventional type 245 octal bus transceivercircuits with three state outputs which provide for synchronous two-waycommunication and also provide isolation when the main CPU 200 does notrequire access to the DRAM 202.

A latch circuit 214 connects the A BUS 208 to an isolated B address bus,or BA BUS, 215. The latch circuit 214 comprises three conventional type244 octal buffer and line driver circuits having three state outputs.Similarly, a latch circuit 216, comprising a pair of conventional type245 latch circuits discussed above, connects the D BUS 212 to anisolated B data bus, or BD BUS, 217. When the latch circuits 214 and 216are enabled in a conventional manner as instructed by the main CPU 200,the main CPU 200 addresses data stored in the EPROM 204 or the CMOS RAM206. The EPROM 204 and CMOS RAM 206 respond to an address by outputtingdata to the main CPU 200 via the BD BUS 217 and the D BUS 212.

Also connected to the BA BUS 215 is an address decode and timing circuit218. The address decode and timing circuit 218 monitors the addressesoutput on the A BUS 208 through the BA BUS 215 and generates selectsignals for enabling devices with which an address is associated with.For example, the address decode and timing circuit 218 generates a DRAMSSignal, an EPROMS signal, and a CMOS RAMS signal respectively coupled tothe DRAM Controller 210, the EPROM 204 and the CMOS RAM 206.

A latch circuit 220, which is a type 244 circuit, connects the A BUS 208to a calendar clock circuit 221. The calendar clock circuit 221 is aMotorola MC146818 calendar clock chip which features the complete timeof day with alarm and a one hundred year calendar built in, as well asthe ability to generate an interrupt request signal CIRQ. The calendarclock circuit 221 receives an address select signal CCLKS from theaddress decode and timing circuit 218. The calendar clock circuit 221responds to an address by outputting date and time data through a latchcircuit 222, which is a type 245 latch circuit, to the D BUS 212. Thefunction of the calendar clock circuit 221 is to give a periodicinterrupt to the main CPU 200 to drive various software tasks.Particularly, when used as the manager's computer 32, the main CPU 200requires an accurate calendar clock source in order to tag the eventsthat occur in the system with a time and date stamp.

The calendar clock interrupt CIRQ is connected to an interrupt controlcircuit 224. The interrupt control circuit 224 responds to interruptrequests and prioritizes the requests which are then transmitted to themain CPU 200. Once an interrupt level has been received by the main CPU200, then processing of the tasks associated with the specific interruptcan be accomplished.

Also connected to the main CPU 200 is a conventional clock generatorcircuit 223 and two conventional watch dog timer circuits 225. The clockcircuit 223 operates at 10 MHz as required for the main CPU 200. Thewatchdog timer circuits 225 monitor the proper execution of the programand instructions from the main CPU 200.

In application as a gamemaker 74, the DRAM memory 202 stores a programdownloaded from the manager's computer 32, as discussed in greaterdetail below, to implement the operation of a bowling game. The EPROM204 stores an initialization program for initializing the main CPU 200,the gamemaker operating system program, a default character set, and agame program for a stand-alone ten pin bowling game. The CMOS RAM 206which is connected to a battery 207 stores pin fall data which isutilized in scoring. As a result, the CMOS RAM 206 operates as anon-volatile memory which retains pin fall data even in the event of apower failure.

The gamemaker may operate in any one of four modes of operation. Thesefour modes include the normal mode where the gamemaker receives a gameprogram from the manager's computer 32, a stand-alone league mode wherethe gamemaker utilizes a program stored in the EPROM 204 for operatingthe gamemaker to implement a cross lane ten pin league type bowlinggame, a stand-alone open mode where the EPROM 204 stores a standard tenpin bowling game program which can be moved independently on each lane,and a diagnostics mode where routine diagnostics are performed on thegamemaker hardware and software. More specifically, a mode key operatedswitch 226 is manually set in any one of four positions, one for each ofthe modes. The mode key switch 226 is connected through a type 373 latchcircuit 227 to the BD BUS 217.

With reference also to FIG. 12B, a block diagram represents a controlcircuit for controlling communications on the global COM line 27 and thegamemaker local COM line 75. The gamemaker 74 includes a global COM lineinterface circuit 228 and a local COM line interface circuit 229. Aseach circuit is substantially identical, only the global COM lineinterface circuit 228 is discussed in detail herein.

The global COM line 27, the manager's computer local COM line 29, andthe gamemaker local COM line 75 together provide a communicationsnetwork for the bowling center system. The communication control isimplemented using Intel type 8344 central processing units. The type8344 is a remote universal interface processor which includes an eightbit type 8051 CPU which utilizes external ROM and RAM memory, and anindependent serial interface HDLC/SDLC protocol controller.Specifically, the 8344 CPU controls the bidirectional transfer of databetween a serial port and a parallel port.

Within the bowling center system, each device connected to a COM line27, 29 or 75 includes an 8344 processor which operates as an intelligentserial interface so that the device can serve as a master or slavestation. Each COM line, in fact, includes one master station and one ormore slave stations. On the master COM line 27, the manager's computer32 is the master station and each of the gamemaker's 74 is a slavestation. On the manager's computer local COM line 29, the manager'scomputer is again the master station, with its associated peripheraldevices, as e.g., the keyboards 44 and the printer 46, serving as slavestations. Each gamemaker 74 is the master on its associated local COMline 75. The remaining devices, as, e.g., the gamesetter 76 and thekeyboard 24, on the gamemaker local COM line 75 are all slave stations.

The gamemaker 74 includes a global COM line interface processor, or GCOMCPU 230, which is the type 8344 processor. The GCOM CPU 230 convertsdata received from the BD Bus 217 in parallel format to serial formatfor transmission on the COM line 27. The GCOM CPU 230 is connected to anEIA type RS485 interface circuit 233 which is in turn connected to anoptical isolator circuit 234 which is connected to the global COM line27. A COM line disconnect switch (not shown) is included fordisconnecting the gamemaker 74 from the COM line 27. This switch can beused if it is desired to take a particular gamemaker 74 off line. TheGCOM CPU 230 is used with an external ROM 231 and RAM 232 to operate asa communications controller. The ROM 231 stores a program for operatingthe GCOM CPU. The RAM 232 provides a serial data buffer for messagesgoing to and from the global COM line 27. The GCOM CPU 230 is connectedto a GD BUS 237 which multiplexes address and data information on asingle bus. The GD BUS 237 is connected to a latch circuit 235, the ROM231 and the RAM 232. The latch circuit 235 is a conventional type 373octal D-type transparent latch circuit having three state outputs. Thelatch circuit 235 is operable to demultiplex the address and datainformation to thereby provide addresses to the ROM 231 and RAM 232 on aglobal communication address bus or GA BUS 236. Specifically, the ROM231 and the RAM 232 respond to an address on the GA BUS 236 byoutputting data to the GD BUS 237.

The GD BUS 237 is connected to a type 373 latch circuit 238. A writeFIFO circuit 239 connects the latch circuit 238 to the BD BUS 217. Thewrite FIFO circuit 239 operates as a buffer for storing data from the BDBUS 217 which is to be output on the global COM Line 27. The write FIFOcircuit 239 is enabled by a global COM select signal GCOMS from theaddress decode and timing circuit 218, see FIG. 12A. A read FIFO circuit240, similar to the write FIFO circuit 239, is connected to the GD BUS237, and to the BD BUS 217 through a type 373 latch circuit 241. Theread FIFO circuit 240 operates as a buffer for temporarily storing datawhich is received over the global COM line 27 prior to being transmittedto the BD BUS 217 as instructed by the address decode and timing GCOMSselect signal which is also connected to the read FIFO circuit 240. TheFIFO circuits 239 and 240 store sixty-four bytes of data and includestatus lines which generate signals when the memory is full and whendata has been input into the memory. As should be apparent, suitablecircuits are included to select either the read FIFO circuit 240 or thewrite FIFO circuit 239 responsive to the GCOMS select signal, accordingto whether it is desired to read or write data from the BD Bus 217.

Although not shown, the GCOM CPU 230 includes a conventional clockcircuit and watchdog circuit connected thereto. The GCOM CPU 230provides for two external devices to generate interrupt signals. An INT1signal is generated by a data available line of the write FIFO circuit239 to indicate when the main CPU 200 has data to be transmitted on theglobal COM line 27. The read FIFO circuit 240 generates an INT0 signalwhen its buffer is full so that it can no longer accept data until themain CPU 200 reads data out therefrom.

The gamemaker 74 includes an address DIP switch 242 connected through atype 373 latch circuit 243 to the GD BUS 237. The address switch 242 foreach gamemaker 74 is set according to the station address on the globalCOM line. When used as a manager's computer 32, the address switch 242of the global COM interface circuit 228 is not used as the manager'scomputer 32 serves as the master station.

As discussed above, the local COM interface circuit 229 is substantiallyidentical to the global COM interface circuit 228. The prefix G isreplaced with the prefix L to indicate that such circuits refer to thelocal COM line. Otherwise, like reference numerals indicate likecomponents. The principal difference between the circuits 228 and 229 isthat since the gamemaker 74 is the master station on its local COM line75, an address switch 242 is not required.

Both the GCOM and LCOM CPU's 230 are coupled to a write status latchcircuit 244 and a read status latch circuit 245. Each of the latchcircuits 244 and 245 is also connected to the BD BUS 217. The writestatus latch circuit 244 is a conventional type 175 hex D-type flip-flopcircuit with a clearing input. The read status latch circuit 245 is atype 373 circuit, discussed above. The latch circuits 244 and 245receive status information from the CPU's 230 indicating the status ofincoming or outgoing information, as well as indicating when transmittedor received data has been corrupted. The write status latch 244 advisesthe particular CPU 230 when data is to be written thereto. The readstatus latch circuit 245 generates an interrupt signal CDAV to theinterrupt control 224, see FIG. 12A, when data has been read by one ofthe CPU's 230 from its associated COM line to be transmitted to the BDBUS 217.

The gamemaker 74 is operable to generate video graphic signals fordriving three monitors, particularly the left and right overheadmonitors 20L and 20R, respectively, and the remote area monitor 22.These signals provide for graphical presentation of, for example,scoring information and instructional information. In accordance withthe requirement to support three video display monitors, a substantialamount of processing time is utilized for video generation. Therefore,timing and control of the video system must be properly accounted for.

With reference to FIG. 12C, a block diagram representation of a videogenerator system control circuit 246 is illustrated. The video generatorsystem 246 includes a video control circuit 248 connected to the A BUS208 for receiving address information from the main CPU. The videocontrol circuit 248 is also connected to the D BUS 212 for transmittingand receiving data to and from the main CPU 200. A multiplexer circuit253 is connected to the A BUS 208 and to respective column and rowselect signals SELCOL and SELROW from the video control circuit 248 formultiplexing of address information to a video address bus or VA BUS,252. Three blocks of video ram memory, VRAML 249, VRAMR 250, and VRAMS251, associated with the respective displays 20L, 20R and 22 are mappedonto the main CPU address space. Each of the video ram blocks 249-251comprises a dual port dynamic NMOS RAM, such as a type 41264 memory chipmanufactured by NEC Electronics, Inc. The 41264 memory chip includes a64K×4 dynamic RAM port and a 256×4 serial read port. The serial readport is connected to an internal 1,024-bit data register through a 256word×4 bit serial read output control, each word of which is read outserially four bits at a time.

The multiplexer 253 addresses data stored in the video RAM blocks249-251 by outputting a video address on the VA BUS 252 connected toeach of the video RAM blocks 249-251. Each of the video RAM blocks249-251 receives a respective video RAM address select signal VRAM1S,VRAM2S and VRAM3S from the address decode and timing circuit 218, SeeFIG. 12A. The RAM port of each video RAM block 249-251 is connected to avideo data bus, or VD BUS 254 which is connected through a latch circuit255 to the D BUS 212. The latch circuit 255 comprises a conventionaltype 374 flip-flop and a pair of type 245 transceiver circuits. Theserial read output port of each video RAM block 249-251 is connected toa respective gate and latch circuit 256-258. The gate and latch circuits256-258 include known gating circuits which are operable to place aborder color surrounding a video display, and also include a type 374flip-flop circuit. The gate and latch circuits 256-258 are connected torespective color palette circuits 259-261. The color palette circuitsare the Inmos IMS G170 high performance CMOS color look up tablecircuits. The IMS G170 integrates the functioning of a color palette orlook up table, digital to analog conversion and microprocessorinterface. The color palette circuit is capable of simultaneouslydisplaying up to 256 colors out of a possible 262,144 colors as byconverting an eight bit word per pixel to a color. Each of the colorpalette circuits 259-261 is connected to the A BUS 208 and the D BUS 212and includes an RGB type video output port which is connected to arespective RGB driver circuit 262-264. The RGB driver circuits 262-264are connected to the video switch 73, as is discussed more specificallybelow, via respective RGB signal lines 274-276. Each of the colorpalette circuits 259-261 receives a respective blanking signal LBLANK,RBLANK and SBLANK from the video control circuit 248, as well as a PIXCLK signal.

The color palette circuit is a write only device relative to the mainCPU 200. The data written to a specific color palette circuit can be theaddress of a color, the color value, or a pixel mask value. Toinitialize the color palette circuit or change the value in the look uptable, the main CPU 200 writes to the color palette circuit's pixeladdress register to set the address pointer to the specific color thatis to be changed. When the operation is for the initialization of thecolor palette address, then 0 should be used. The main CPU 200 thenperforms three successive write operations to the color value register.The least significant six bits of the data are taken from each bytewritten. The values are then concatenated into an 18 bit word for thecolor value. The first byte written defines the intensity of the colorred, the second specifies the intensity of the color green and the lastspecifies the intensity of the color blue. After the third write to thecolor value register, the internal pixel address register increments itsvalue by one. This function is helpful during initialization of thecolor palette circuit after power up since the main CPU 200 need onlyright the pixel address register once and then right each successivecolor value in the above-described sequence.

The color palette circuit contains a pixel mask register. The pixel maskregister allows the chip to perform a bit by bit ANDing of the registercontent and the incoming pixel color from its associated video ramblock. This function is useful in altering the display colors withoutaffecting the color values of the video ram blocks. By partitioning thecolor definitions by one or more bits in the pixel address, graphicanimation and color flashing can be produced.

The video control circuit 248 performs three basic functions, namelyacting as an interface to the main CPU 200, generating monitor controlsignals, and acting as a video RAM controller for the video RAM blocks249-251.

As an interface with the main CPU 200, the video control circuit 248gates data to and from the main CPU 200 and generates two interruptsignals, VIDEO1 INT and VIDEO2 INT which are transmitted to theinterrupt control circuit 224, See FIG. 12A. These interrupt signals areused to notify the main CPU 200 as various positions have been reachedduring refresh of a monitor 20L, 20R or 22. Specifically, they enablethe main CPU 200 to update the data in the video RAM blocks 249-251after the video system has refreshed associated respective monitors 20L,20R and 22 with the most recently stored information. The use of thisinterrupt feature results in the reduction of flicker which occurs onthe screen during screen updates. The first such interrupt is arepeating interrupt VIDEO1 INT which occurs during a refresh of thevideo screen. This refresh can occur at the start or end of eitheractive video or a blanking time. The second interrupt VIDEO2 INT occursat the beginning of a specific scan line.

In order to control operation of the monitors 20L, 20R and 22, the videocontrol circuit 248 generates appropriate sync and blanking signals.Particularly, a latch circuit controls the blanking of each monitor,with the latch information being available to the main CPU 200 allowingit to independently control the blanking control of each monitor. Thevideo control circuit 248 OR's the composite blanking signal which isrequired to be present during the retrace time with the latch blankingcontrol lines. The resulting signal on the select lines LBLANK, RBLANKand SBLANK are used to control the blanking of the respective monitors20L, 20R and 22.

The video control circuit 248 operates as a dynamic RAM controller byperiodically refreshing the video RAM memory 249-251, while assuringthat the refresh cycle does not interfere with the operation of themonitors. The video control 248 utilizes the video RAM blocks only aboutfive percent of the time thereby allowing the main CPU 200 to havealmost immediate access to the memory contents. This results in increasein the main CPU's processing capabilities and reduced latencies in thesystem.

With reference to FIG. 12D, a block diagram represents a peripheralinterface circuit for the gamemaker 74 and the manager's computer 32. Aserial input/output interface is provided using a dual universalasynchronous receiver transmitter, or DUART, 265 which is connected tothe BD BUS. The DUART 265 comprises a Zilog Z80 SIO Serial Input/OutputController. The DUART includes two independent full-duplex channels. TheDUART 265 converts parallel data from the BD BUS 217 to serial data foran A port and a B port and vice versa. Channels A and B of the DUART 265are connected to respective RS422 converter circuits 266 and 267 whenconfigured as a gamemaker 74, or respective RS232 converter circuits266' and 267' when configured as a manager's computer 32. For thegamemaker 74 application the channel A converter 266 is connected to thevideo switch 73. When used as a manager's computer 32, the channel Aconverter 266' is connected to the modem 36, and the channel B converter267' is connected to the league record service computer 34. The DUART265 is enabled by a serial input/output select, or SIOS, signal from theaddress decoded timing circuit 218, see FIG. 1. When the DUART 265 needsto transmit data on the BD bus 217, it generates a serial I/O interruptsignal SIOINT which is transmitted to the interrupt control 224.

In order for the manager's computer 32 to interface to a hard disk and afloppy disk a conventional SCSI port 268 is connected to the BD bus 217.The SCSI port 268 provides an interface to a small computer systemsinterface bus 269 covered by ANSI standard X3T92 which provides for astandardized interface and command set between manufacturers of hard andfloppy disks, as well as controller boards. The SCSI port 268 receives aSCSI select signal from the address decoder and timing circuit 218, SeeFIG. 12A, and generates a SCSI Int signal to the interrupt control 224.The SCSI port 268 is coupled to a hard disk 270 and a floppy disk 272.The floppy disk 272 is utilized to load new software into the systemsuch as new games which have been developed and to provide for back upof data or programs from the hard disk 270. As discussed morespecifically below, the hard disk 270 stores game programs for aplurality of different bowling games, the operating system for themanager's computer 32, a historical record comprising pin fall and balltrajectory information for the last ten bowling games played at eachlane, and a system error log.

COM Line Interface

In order for any device in the bowling center system to communicate on aCOM line, such device must be connected to its associated COM line usinga communications interface circuit. Particularly, an RS232communications interface circuit 38 is used to connect preselecteddevices to the manager's local COM line 29, see FIG. 2, and a similarRS232 communications circuit 78 is used to connect the keyboard 24 tothe gamemaker local COM line 75. With reference to FIG. 13 a blockdiagram represents a circuit for the RS232 communications interfacecircuits 38 and 78.

The communications interface circuit 78 or 38 uses a serial COM CPU 300.The COM CPU 300 includes a serial port which is connected through aconventional RS485 interface circuit 302 and an optical isolater circuit304 to its respective COM line 75 or 29. The serial COM CPU 300 is theIntel 8344 remote universal peripheral interface processor, discussedabove relative to the gamemaker 74, configured to serve as a slavestation on the COM line 75 or 29. A conventional clock circuit 306 and aconventional watchdog timer circuit 308 are connected to the COM CPU 300to assure proper operation thereof.

The parallel port of the COM CPU 300 is connected to a bus 310. The bus310 is connected to an EPROM 312 and a RAM 314. The bus 310 carriesaddress and data signals thereon. Particularly, the address signalsaddress memory locations in the EPROM 312 and RAM 314. The data signalsrelate to requests received from the particular device connectedthereto, e.g., the remote area keyboard 44, to be transmitted on the COMline 29, or commands received over the COM line 29 to be transmitted tothe particular device, e.g., printer commands to the printer 46. TheEPROM 312 stores a program for operating the COM CPU 300 in aconventional manner to implement the bidirectional transfer of databetween the bus 310 and the associated COM line 75 or 29. The RAM 314operates as a buffer for storing data to or from the COM line 75. Astation address circuit 316 is connected to the bus 310 for transmittingthe station addresses of the particular slave station to its associatedCOM CPU 300.

Also connected to the bus 310 is a universal synchronous/asynchronousreceiver transmitter, or USART, 318. The USART is a bidirectionaltransceiver that converts parallel data from the bus 310 to serial dataat a serial port, or vice versa. The USART serial port is connected to astandard RS232 converter circuit 320 for connection to external. deviceswhich communicate according to the RS232 serial communications standard.Particularly, in the present system, the RS232 converter circuit 320 isused to connect the gamemaker local COM line 75 to the keyboard 24. Theinterface circuit 38 for the manager's local COM line 29 connects theconverter circuit 320 to the video switch 40, the printer(s) 46, the DTSinterface 48, and the video source devices 52.

A keyboard interface circuit 322 includes a parallel port connected tothe BUS 310. The keyboard interface circuit 322 is connected to themanager's keyboard 44, and receives serial data therefrom as keys aredepressed. The circuit 322 is operable to convert the keyboard data to aparallel format for transmission on the bus 310.

Bowlers Input Station

With reference to FIG. 14, a block diagram represents a circuit for thebowler input station 18 which is connected to the gamemaker 74 over thelocal COM line 75. The bowler input station 18 is used to provide bowlerinteraction to the bowling game operation, as is discussed herein. Thebowler input station 18 includes a keyboard 328, see FIG. 15 below,which is used by a bowler to enter information or requests to thegamemaker 74.

The bowler input station 18 includes an optical isolater circuit 330connected to the local COM line 75 and to a conventional RS485 convertercircuit 332. The converter circuit 332 is connected to a serial port ofa COM CPU 334. The COM CPU 334 is the Intel type 8344 processordiscussed above, which serves as sub-system controller to the local COMline 75. The COM CPU 334 is configured as a slave station. Aconventional clock circuit 336 and a conventional watchdog timer circuit338 are connected to the COM CPU 324 to assure proper operation thereof.

The COM CPU 334 includes a parallel port which is connected to a localbus 340. The bus 340 is connected to an EPROM 342 and a RAM 344. Astation address circuit 346 is connected to the bus 340 for providing aCOM line station address to the COM CPU 334.

The bus 340 transmits both address and data signals thereon.Particularly, the address signals address memory locations in the EPROM342 and the RAM 344. The data signals relate to the bowler requests tobe transmitted over the local COM line 75, or status informationreceived over the local COM line 75. The EPROM 342 stores a program foroperating the COM CPU 334 in a conventional manner to implement thebidirectional transfer of data between the bus 340 and the COM line 75.The RAM 344 operates as a buffer for storing the data to or from the COMline 75.

A keyboard encoder circuit 348 connects the bowler input stationkeyboard 328, See FIG. 15, to the bus 340. The keyboard 328 is aconventional membrane type keyboard including a matrix of switches 350.The keyboard encoder circuit 348 senses when a key is pushed andgenerates an encoded signal for transmission on the bus 340. An outputdriver circuit 352 is coupled to the bus 340. The output driver circuit352 includes output ports connected to a tone generator 354 and adisplay driver circuit 356. The display driver circuit 356 operates adisplay device 358 comprising a plurality of illuminating devices whichserve to backlight selected translucent key positions on the keyboard328. The Zone generator 354 generates an audible sound.

With reference to FIG. 15, a membrane keyboard overlay 328 for thebowler input station 18 is illustrated. Particularly, the keyboard 328includes a conventional alphanumeric "QWERTY" key section 358, a "NewSet-Up" key section 360, a "Display" key section 362, a "Features" keysection 364 and a "Changes" key section 366.

The function of any key in the above-described key sections is dependentupon the selected game software being utilized to operate the gamemaker74. Illustratively, the alphanumeric key section 358 may be used forentering information such as bowler names or the like. The "New Set-Up"key section 360 may be used to initiate the playing of a bowling gameand enter league bowling information. The "Display" key section 362 maybe used for modifying configuration of the scoring display shown on theoverhead display 20. The "Features" key section 364 may be used topermit a bowler to request practice bowling or to request a specialfeatures bowling menu. The "Changes" key section 366 may be utilized ina bowler input station 18 which is configured to perform scorecorrection. If score correction is not permitted from a particularbowler input station 18, then the changes key section 366 is omittedfrom the overlay 328.

If a particular key is depressed, then an associated switch from thematrix 350 is actuated. The encoder circuit is operable to encode thekeystroke to a parallel data signal representative thereof.

The bowler input station 42 at the manager's control desk is similar tothe bowler input station 18, discussed above, and generally includes the"Changes" key section 366. Resultantly, interaction with a gamemaker 74,for example for score correction, can be implemented at the manager'scontrol desk, as discussed more specifically below.

When a bowler first enters the bowling center, the bowler must proceedto the cashier prior to beginning play. After suitable payingarrangements have been made, then the lane control 16 is set up topermit bowling.

When the bowler is ready to begin play, the bowler utilizes the keyboard328 at the bowler input station 18 to initiate play. Under the gamecontrol, the bowler input station 18 operates in a "user friendly" mode,whereby the display devices 358 are utilized to step the bowler throughthe selection options available at any given time.

An example of a bowler initiating operation of a bowling game consist ofthe bowler proceeding to the bowler input station 18, whereat the "leftlane" and "right lane" keys are flashing. Flashing keys indicate thatthe bowler can select which lane a subsequent request relates to. Afterdepressing one of the lane keys, a "games menu" key and an "enter bowlername" key are illuminated. If the bowler wishes to play the gamecurrently loaded, the "enter bowler name" key is depressed and thebowler enters the names of the bowlers. Alternatively, if a new game isto be played, then the "games menu" key is depressed. Responsivethereto, the game's menu is displayed on the selected lane overheadmonitor 20L or 20R. The bowler selects the game by entering a referencenumber associated with the particular game. Upon selecting a game, thegame program is then downloaded, as discussed below, from the manager'scomputer 32 to the gamemaker 74. Once the game has been downloaded, the"left lane" and "right lane" keys are again flashing. In order to enterthe bowler names, the proper lane key is depressed and the "enter bowlername" key is lit instructing the bowler to enter the names. After thenames have been entered, the bowler again depresses the particular lanekey and depresses the "start bowling" key. Resultantly, the gamemaker 74commands the gamesetter 76, and thus the pinsetter 14, to beginoperation for the first frame.

Video Switch

The respective video switches 40 and 73, associated with the manager'scomputer 32 and the gamemaker 74, select and route the gamemakergenerated video signals and global video program signals from the videosource devices 52 to a selected monitor associated with a lane paircontrol 16. In addition, signal conditioning to maintain video levels,composite to RGB decoding, and RGB to composite encoding are performed.The encoded RGB is available to be sent to the manager's computer 32 forscore correction or, during tournament mode when the scoring display fora lane or lane pair is distributed through the house on the global videolines 61, for display on other selected monitors. Audio signals whichare transmitted with the video signals from the video devices 52 areswitched to the monitor used to display the associated video. Audioprograms are usually associated with the remote terminal 21. Selectionof the operating configuration of the seven VIDEO IN ports, thegamemaker, or manager's computer, RGB drive signals, the AUDIO IN ports,the RGB monitor output and the three SCORE OUT ports is controlled fromthe manager's computer 32 or the gamemaker 74 via a serialcommunications line.

Although the system herein is described using seven global video lines61 and seven global audio lines 68, the system could readily accommodateeight lines of global video and global audio. Similarly, by appropriateswitching done at the manager's computer 32, additional video sourcedevices 52 could be provided for selective coupling to the global videoand audio lines 61 and 68, respectively. Moreover, with the addition ofsuitable circuits in the video switches, additional global video oraudio lines can be utilized.

With reference to FIG. 16, a block diagram illustrates a circuit for thevideo switch 73, see FIG. 3. The manager's control video switch 40 isidentical to that for the gamemaker 74 and is not discussed in detailherein. The video switch 73 includes a video input switch block 370,three video monitor switch blocks 372L, 372R and 372S and a video outputswitch block 374, as well as an audio switch block 376 and a controldecoder block 378.

The video input switch block 370 includes seven input channels I1-I7,one for each of the seven global composite video lines 61 driven by thevideo driver circuit 56 at the manager's control .desk, see FIG. 2,connected to the seven VIDEO IN ports. The seven VIDEO IN ports are alsoconnected in series with the seven VIDEO OUT ports. Therefore, eachinput channel I1-I7 is dedicated to one of the seven global compositevideo lines 61. The video input switch block 370 includes three outputchannels .0.1-.0.3, and three control channels C1-C3. The three outputchannels .0.1-.0.3 are respectively connected to the three video monitorswitches 372L, 372R and 372S and to the video output switch 374. Thecontrol channels C1-C3 are connected to the control decoder 378. Thevideo input switch 370 is operable to connect any of the output channels.0.1-.0.3 to any of the input channels I1-I7 responsive to controlsignals received from the control decoder 378 at the respective controlchannels C1-C3. Particularly, the first control channel controls theswitching of output channel .0.1 to selectively connect it either to noinput channel or to any one of the seven input channels I1-I7. Controlof switching to output channels .0.2 and .0.3 is similarly determinedaccording to signals present at respective control channels C2 and C3.

With reference to FIG. 17, a block diagram illustrates a control circuitfor the video input switch 370. Each of the input signals received atthe seven input channels I1-I7 comprises a composite video signal. Theseven composite video signals are coupled through an input stage circuit380 to three analog switches 382-384. The input stage provides isolationfor the composite video signals and comprises Darlington amplifiersfollowed by emitter follower circuits.

Each of the analog switches 382-384 comprises a type 4051 analog switch,such as the Motorola type MC14051. Each of the analog switches 382-384includes an OUT terminal connected through a conventional gain stagewhich normalizes the signal level to the respective output channels.0.1, .0.2, .0.3. Each analog switch 382-384 also includes A, B, C and Iterminals connected to the respective control channels C1-C3. The A, Band C terminals receive a three digit binary signal for selecting whichof the eight input signals is to be connected to the OUT terminal. The Iterminal is an inhibit terminal and when enabled prevents any of theinput terminals from being coupled to the OUT terminal.

The three video monitor switches 372 utilize identical circuits. Such acircuit is illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 18. Each monitorswitch 372 includes a conventional composite to RGB converter circuit385, an analog switch 386 and a conventional RGB to composite videoconverter circuit 388. The composite to RGB converter circuit 385 isconnected to and receives a composite video signal from one of the videoinput switch 370 respective output channels .0.1-.0.3 and convertscomposite video signal therefrom to an RGB video signal. The RGB outputof the converter circuit 385 is connected to the analog switch 386. Alsoconnected to the analog switch 386 are the RGB video signals over one ofthe signal lines 274-276 from the respective gamemaker RGB video drivers262-264, see FIG. 12C. The analog switch 386 comprises two type 4053eight channel multiplexer-demultiplexer circuits, such as the Motorolatype MC14053. The type 4053 circuit includes eight input channels andthree output channels which are suitably interconnected in response to athree digit binary control signal received at the three controlterminals. An inhibit terminal is also included for precluding anyinterconnection. The control terminals and inhibit terminals areconnected to the control decoder circuit 378 which operates the analogswitch to connect either the RGB signal from the gamemaker 74 or fromthe composite RGB converter circuit 385 to the output terminals thereof.The inhibit terminal is enabled when it is desired that the associateddisplay monitor 20L, 20R or 22 be blank. The selected RGB signal at theoutput terminal is buffered and amplified in a conventional manner. Theanalog switch output terminals are connected to its associated monitor20L, 20R or 22 and also to an RGB to composite converter circuit 388.The RGB to composite converter circuit 388 provides the encoding of anyRGB signal being displayed on the associated monitors, 20L, 20R or 22into a composite color signal. This converted signal is transmitted tothe video output switch 374 and may be ultimately routed to themanager's computer 32 for score correction purposes or used fordistribution on the global video line 61 during tournament play.

The video output switch block 374 includes six input channels I1-I6. Thefirst three input channels I1-I3 are connected to the RGB compositeconverter 388 of the respective video monitor switches 372L, 372R and372S. The last three input channels I4-I6 are connected to therespective output channels .0.1-.0.3 of the video input switch 370. Thevideo output switch has three output channels .0.1-.0.3 connected to anormally open fixed contact of respective relay switches R1-R3. Therelay switches R1-R3 also include a normally closed fixed contactconnected to the three SCORE IN ports and a moveable contact connectedto the three SCORE OUT ports. The position of a particular relay switchmoveable contact determines whether or not its associated SCORE IN portis connected in series with an associated SCORE OUT port or itsassociated SCORE OUT port is connected to its associated video outputswitch output channel.

The video output switch 374 includes three control channels C1-C3connected to the control decoder 378. The control channels are alsoconnected to the relays R1-R3. A signal at each of the control channelsC1-C3 determines what input channel I1-I6, if any, is connected to itsrespective associated output channel .0.1-.0.3. Also, the relays R1-R3and thus relay switch contacts R1-R3 are operated according to thesignal received at the respective control channel C1-C3. For example, ifthe signal at the first control channel C1 indicates that no inputchannel I1-I6 should be connected to the first output channel .0.1, thenthe first relay switch contact R1 remains in its normal positionconnecting its associated SCORE IN and SCORE OUT ports so that theparticular video score transmission line effectively bypasses the videoswitch 73. If, instead, the signal at the first control channel c1indicates that the first output channel .0.1 is to be connected to, forexample, the first input channel I1, then this connection is made in aconventional manner, and the moveable contact of the first relay switchcontact R1 is switched to connect the first output channel .0.1 to theSCORE OUT port and thus to the video score transmission line 70.Therefore, the composite video signal received at the first inputchannel I1 from the RGB to converter circuit 386 is transmitted over thevideo score transmission line 70 to the VIDEO IN port of the videoswitch 40 at the manager's control desk. This feature is utilized intournament bowling when it is desired to display scoring informationfrom a particular lane or lane pair to the manager's control 26 to beretransmitted throughout the bowling center for display at othermonitors. Also, this feature is utilized for providing score correctionwherein the video scoring display associated with a particular lane istransmitted to the manager's control 26 for display on the manager'scontrol desk monitor 72 to enable an operator to correct scoringinformation, as is discussed more specifically below.

The video output switch 374 uses a circuit similar to that of the videoinput switch 370. This circuit is described hereinabove relative to theblock diagram of FIG. 17.

The audio switch block 376 includes seven input channels I1-I7. Each ofthe seven input channels I1-I7 is connected to the series connectedAUDIO IN and AUDIO OUT ports which are connected to the seven audiotransmission lines 68 from the audio driver circuit 62, see FIG. 2. Theaudio switch 376 includes a control channel C1 connected to a moveablecontact of a manually operated switch S1, and an output channel 01connected to the remote monitor 22. The audio switch 376 is operable toconnect the output channel .0.1 to none or any of the seven inputchannels I1-I7 dependent on the signals received at the control channelC1. The audio switch 376 uses a circuit similar to that of the videoinput switch represented by the block diagram of FIG. 17. However, sinceonly a single output channel is used only one type 4051 analog switch isrequired. Also, the input stage 380 provides for capacitive isolationand balancing to ground and uses differential input amplifiers for eachline.

With reference to FIG. 19, a block diagram represents a control circuitfor the control decoder 378 of FIG. 16. The control decoder 378functions as the interface between the gamemaker 74 or the manager'scomputer 32 and the video switch switching circuits.

Switching commands for defining a video signal transmission path arereceived at an RS422 converter circuit 390 from the gamemaker 74 for itsassociated video switch 73 or at an RS232 converter circuit 392 from themanager's local COM line 29 for its associated video switch 40. Receivedserial data is processed by a universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter or UART 394 which converts serial data to paralleldata. The UART 394 may be, for example, a conventional type AY1015 UART.The parallel data port of the UART 394 is connected to a decoder circuit396 and a latch circuit 398. The decoder circuit 396 comprises aconventional type 138 three line to eight line decoder/demultiplexer.The latch circuit 398 comprises eight conventional type 259 eight bitaddressable latch circuits. The latch circuit 398 develops up tosixty-four individually addressable outputs. The addressable outputscontrol the switching of the switch blocks 370, 372, 374 and 376 toimplement the desired video switching arrangement.

The sixty-four available addressable outputs are selectively associatedwith ten control signal lines. First, second and third video inputswitch signal lines VIS1, VIS2 and VIS3 are coupled to the three controlchannel C1-C3 of the video input switch block 370. Therefore, eachsignal line VIS1, VIS2 and VIS3 includes four addressable outputs forconnection to the A, B, C and I terminals of the three analog switches382-384, see FIG. 17. The third video input signal VIS3 is alsoconnected to a normally closed fixed contact of the switch S1. An audioswitch signal line AS is coupled to a normally open fixed contact of theswitch S1. The switch S1 is manually set so that in the normal positionthe audio switch control input C1 is connected to the third video inputswitch signal line VIS3. Resultantly, the signal on the third videoinput switch line VIS3 controls both the third output channel .0.3 ofthe video input switch 370 and the output channel .0.1 of the audioswitch 376, both of which are coupled to the remote terminal 21. Thisresults in only one signal being required to simultaneously switch audioand video signals over the respective video transmission line 61 andaudio transmission line 68 to the remote terminal 21. Alternatively, theswitch S1 is operable to control the audio switch 376 according to asignal present on the audio signal line AS independent of the videoinput switch 370. This feature can be utilized, for example, if anoperator using a microphone wishes to speak to an individual at theremote terminal 21.

The control decoder 378 is connected to the video monitor switches 372L,372R and 372S over respective video switch signal lines VS1, VS2 and VS3to control the respective positions of the associated analog switch 386,as discussed above. The control decoder 378 is connected to the controlchannels C1-C3 of the video output switch 374 and to the three relaysR1-R3 over three video output switch signal lines VOS1, VOS2 and VOS3 tocontrol the switching of the video output switch 374, as discussedabove. Each of the video monitor and output signal lines VS1, VS2, VS3,VOS1, VOS2 and VOS3 is connected to four addressable outputs foroperating their associated switches 386, see FIG. 18, or switches382-284, see FIG. 17.

The control decoder circuit 378 includes conventional power up resetcircuitry and a clock circuit. The received serial input to the UART 394is converted to eight bit parallel data. Three of the parallel datalines are sent to the decoder circuit 396 for selecting one of the eighttype 259 addressable latch circuits. Four data lines from the UART 394are applied to the address and data inputs of the type 259 addressablelatch circuits. Each of the eight addressable latches provide eightoutputs, thus providing for the sixty-four available addressable outputchannels.

In normal bowling operation, the control decoder 378 controls the analogswitch 386 of the video monitor switches 372 so that video signalsdeveloped at the gamemaker 74 are transmitted to the associated monitors20L, 20R and 22. Normally, the video input switch 370 and audio switch376 provide no interconnections between their associated input andoutput channels. Similarly, the video output switch 374 normally doesnot transmit information to the score transmission lines 70. If it isdesired to transmit video signals, and in the case of the remoteterminal 21 an audio signal, from a video source device 52 to aparticular gamemaker monitor, then the control decoder 378 controlsswitching of the video input switch 370 and the video monitor switch 372to appropriately provide a communication path from the global video line61 connected to the selected video source 52, see FIG. 2, generating thedesired video signal, to the selected monitor. For example, if it isdesired to play a video tape loaded in the video source 52 connected tothe fourth video transmission line 61 for display on the remote monitor22, then the control decoder 378 provides a command over the third videoinput switch signal line VIS3, which results in an interconnectionbetween the fourth input channel I4 and the third output channels .0.3of the video input switch 370. Also, the signal over the third videoswitch signal line VS3 causes the analog switch 386 of the third videomonitor switch 375 to connect its first input to the output so that thecomposite video signal on the fourth video transmission line isconverted to RGB video at the converter circuit 385 and is subsequentlytransmitted to the remote monitor 22 for display. The above describedswitching arrangement for displaying a video program from a sourcedevice 52 is also used in the tournament mode. However, in thetournament mode the global video line 61 transmits a score sheet displayoriginally generated at a gamemaker 74 which is transmitted over a scoretransmission line 70 to the manager's video switch 40 which connects thescore transmission line to a global video line, as discussed below. Theoperation of the video output switch 374 for transmitting the videoinformation from the gamemaker 74 to the manager's control 76 isdiscussed hereinabove.

Within the bowling center system, the video switches 73 associated withmultiple lane pair controls 16 can be used to simultaneously displayinformation from a single video transmission line 61. This is generallydone if a particular video transmission to each lane pair control 16 iscommenced simultaneously. Otherwise, switching may be controlled so thatthe first video switch 73 to utilize a particular video transmissionline has exclusive use until transmission has been completed at whichtime another video switch 73 can be switched to receive the videoinformation. Conversely, only a single video switch 73 can acquire avideo score transmission line 70 at any given time.

Remote Area Terminal

With reference to FIG. 20, a block diagram representation is illustratedfor the remote area terminal 21 which comprises the remote area monitor22 and keyboard 24. The remote area monitor 22 is a conventional RGBtype monitor which receives Red, Green, Blue and Sync signals from thevideo switch 73, specifically the monitor switch 372S, to drive themonitor 22. The remote area monitor 22 is capable of displaying 640 by204 pixels with one byte of data per pixel. The display simultaneouslydisplays up to 256 different colors on the screen. Also, a speaker 390is connected to the video switch 73 for playing audio informationresponsive to audio signals received from the audio switch 376 of thevideo switch 73.

The remote area keyboard 24 includes a total of sixteen keys organizedin three groups. Ten numeric keys are organized in a telephone style keypad format with the keys being labeled with the numbers 0-9. Fourpredefined function keys are provided with the labels "ADVANCE","ACTIVITIES", "RETURN" and "ENTER" thereon. Two additional undefinedfunction keys are provided. Pressing any of the keys results in thegeneration of a particular data signal. Serial data representativethereof is transmitted from the RS232 communications interface circuit78 to the local COM line 75.

Ball Trajectory Unit

The ball trajectory unit 80 comprises a video tracking device asmanufactured by Micronyx, Inc. The ball trajectory unit comprises avideo camera installed, for example, between the overhead monitors 20Land 20R and aimed at both lanes in the lane pair. The ball trajectoryunit includes a control circuit responsive to video image signalsgenerated by the camera for storing data representative of ballpositions and velocity as it moves down the lane. The ball trajectoryunit 80 also includes a communication circuit, similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 13 hereof for interfacing to the local COM line 75.Such a ball tracker is described in Gautraud et al pending application,entitled "Video Tracking and Display System", Ser. No. 170,268, filedMar. 18, 1988, which is owned in part by the assignee of the presentinvention and the specification of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein. In addition to the above, the ball trajectory unit 80could be used to obtain pin fall data for use by the gamemaker 74 underthe control of a game control program.

The ball trajectory unit 80 transmits to the gamemaker 74 upon request atrajectory data set consisting of parameters measured during the periodof time the bowling ball is in motion on the lane surface. Each data setis a record consisting of eight center of ball x-y grid locations inone/sixteenth of an inch units measured at or near pre-defined zones,center of ball x-grid location at forty-five feet, foreground andbackground velocities in tenths of miles per hour, and entry angle tothe pin area in tenths of a degree. The ball trajectory data istransmitted to the gamemaker 74 over the COM line 75. The data receivedat the gamemaker 74 is stored for subsequent retrieval and display by aremote terminal user and may be displayed on either or both overheadmonitors 20L and 20R under game control.

Within the gamemaker memory, a large trajectory data storage requirementis established. Some or all of this data is transmitted to the manager'scomputer 32 and the league record service computer 36. Memory isincluded in the gamemaker 74 to store trajectory data for an entireleague ten pin match. Therefore, data storage requirements aredetermined by each game, assuming the existence of sufficient memory asthe game has requested.

With reference to FIG. 21, a block diagram represents a ball trajectorydata management schematic. In the block diagram, those blocks formed ofsolid lines represent hardware devices, including memory portions withinthe gamemaker 74, while those blocks formed of dashed lines representsoftware tasks or routines.

The ball trajectory management system consists of two separate anddistinct modules referred to as the ball trajectory table manager 400and the ball trajectory display manager 402. The ball trajectory tablemanager 400 is an independent task which is downloaded by the manager'scomputer 32 to the gamemaker 74 as a structural segment of the remoteterminal manager task 404. This module is spawned as a stand-alone taskby the remote terminal manager 404 during terminal managerinitialization and remains resident in a portion of the memory partitionrelated to the remote monitor 22.

The ball trajectory table manager task 402 monitors ball trajectoryreceived message buffers 406 maintained by the COM line 75; updates andmaintains a ball trajectory data table 408 located in the DRAM 202;updates and maintains a ball trajectory calibration table 410 located inCMOS RAM 206; downloads ball trajectory calibration data to the balltrajectory unit 80 upon request; and relays ball trajectory unithardware status to the manager's computer 32 upon receipt of a systemfailure detect message from the ball trajectory unit 80.

The ball trajectory display manager 402 is a set of subprocedures whichare treated as an integral portion of the remote terminal manager task404. The control is passed to the ball trajectory display manager 402upon request for a ball trajectory display from the remote keyboard 24.The ball trajectory display manager 402 verifies the validity of theball trajectory calibration table 410, transforms ball trajectoryinformation from the ball trajectory unit 80 to a lane graphic frame ofreference and manages the remote monitor 22 during ball trajectorydisplay operations.

The procedure for the ball trajectory table manager task 402 for datatransfer consists of maintaining tables for the left and right lane, 412and 413 respectively, and initiating requests for ball trajectory dataupon receipt of a ball delivered signal from a game in progress task411. The ball trajectory unit 80 replies to such a request bytransmitting a ball trajectory data set over the local COM line 75. ACOM watcher task 414 transfers a received message to the ball trajectoryright or left lane message buffer 406 located in the CMOS RAM 206. Theball trajectory table manager task 400 is awakened periodically by thegamemaker operating system and calls a COM READ utility sub-procedure416 located in the EPROM 204. If the COM READ returns a value of zero,then no message is pending. Otherwise, if the COM READ procedure 416returns a non-zero positive integer, then there is a data messagepending. Thereafter, the ball trajectory table manager task 400determines from the game control program which bowler the data isassociated with, and transfers ball trajectory data to the appropriateball trajectory table 408 in CMOS RAM 206.

The ball trajectory display manager task 402 is utilized when a user atthe remote keyboard 24 selects a ball trajectory display menu item, asdiscussed more specifically below. Upon such a request, the remoteterminal manager task 404 transfers control to the ball trajectorydisplay manager 402. The ball trajectory display manager 402 begins bycalling a menu display utility to display a menu consisting of anumbered list of left lane bowler names on the left side of the screenand right lane bowler names on the right side of the screen, and calls aremote area terminal utility to request the number entered by the usercorresponding to the bowler name whose trajectory is to be displayed. Ifthe user enters a valid number on the keyboard 24, then the displaymanager 402 generates a pointer to a custom lane graphic image 418stored in the DRAM 202; transfers the custom lane graphic image 418 tothe remote monitor video RAM 251; generates a pointer to the balltrajectory buffer 406 for the specified lane and bowler; generates apointer to the ball trajectory calibration table 410; generates apointer to a lane graphic correlation table 420 in the DRAM 207; andgenerates a pointer to the ball trajectory data table 408.

If a calibration update is in progress for the designated lane, or adata record update is in progress for its designated bowler, or therequested data record is not currently present in the data table, or thedata present fails to meet the established validity criteria, then anindication is displayed on the remote monitor 22 that the requested balltrajectory data is not currently available. Otherwise, the displaymanager 402 transforms the data in a known manner to a display frame ofreference using the calibration and correlation data tables 410 and 420respectively; retrieves ball Icons from a memory block 422; andgenerates and transfers the ball Icons to positions on the display asspecified by the data transformation.

Upon completion of the displaying of data, the display manager 402 alsodisplays a message on the remote monitor for a user to depress apreselected key to obtain a menu. If the preselected key is notdepressed after a preselected period of time, then the display manager402 relinquishes control to the remote terminal manager 404. If thepreselected key is depressed, a ball trajectory options menu isdisplayed which permits a user to display a trajectory display for asecond ball, for another bowler, or return to the main menu. If noselection is made in a preselected period of time, then control isrelinquished to the remote terminal manager task 404. If a selection ismade, then control continues according to the particular selection made.For example, if a user selects another bowler, then the display manageris operable as discussed above to display the selected data.

In addition to the above, the ball trajectory management system could beused in conjunction with the bowler input station 18 and the overheadmonitors 20L and 20R to display ball trajectory displays thereon.

As part of the game control, it is possible to simultaneously displayany of the ball trajectory parameters, in any combination, on anoverhead display monitor 20L or 20R. Specifically, after a ball has beenplayed and the data set has been uploaded and stored in the balltrajectory table 408, the gamemaker 74 can, under game control, accessselected data therefrom and incorporate it on an overhead monitorscoring display. For example, the game program may display theforeground velocity, ball position at 45 feet and the entry angle on theoverhead monitor 20 as part of the game score display. Also, any othercombination of parameters can be selected for display, as is obvious tothose skilled in the art.

Communications

The global COM line 27 and local COM lines 29 and 75, are used tocommunicate data between master and slave stations, as discussed above.Communications control is implemented at each station using the Intel8344 processor. The master station controls its associated COM line atall times with only one master station provided per COM line. The masterstation initiates all communications on the COM line by issuing messagesto a slave station and waiting for the slave station to send a reply orto time out. A slave station is only permitted to reply to requests. Itcannot initiate its own messages. The communication system is configuredin a multi-drop structure. If the master station fails, then the COMline is inoperative. Conversely, if a slave station fails, then itmerely loses communication with the master station. The transmitting andreceiving devices connected to the COM line transmit and receive dataaccording to the EIA RS485 standard specifications. This specificationdetermines the logic values 0 and 1 by the voltage across a pair ofwires in the line.

COM Line Data Transfer

The COM line data link protocol utilizes a subset of the IBM SynchronousData Link Control (SDLC) standard. The protocol is primarily responsiblefor the formation of commands and data into information frames and forthe control of the transfer of the information frames over the COM line.The information frames are used over the COM line in a standardizedformat defined by the SDLC protocol. The format for the informationframe is shown in FIG. 22. The information frame consists of two flagfields, an address field, a control field, an information field, and aninformation frame check sequence, or FCS, field. The flag fields areused as markers that indicate the beginning and end of an informationframe., and comprise the pattern 01111110 as defined by the SDLCspecification. The address field is used to determine which slavestation a particular information frame is associated with. The addressfield is a single byte long and may contain values of one to two hundredand fifty, the maximum number of slave stations permitted. The controlfield is a single byte field that is used for a status and controlexchange between master and slave stations. This field indicates twomodes of operation, supervisory and information. The supervisory mode isdesigned specifically to allow the master to transfer status betweenitself and a slave station. Information frames sent in this mode areused by the master to poll slave stations, and by slave stations toacknowledge or negatively acknowledge receipt of a valid informationframe from the master station. The information mode is used for messagetransfer. When operating in the information mode, the information fieldcontains the data to be communicated between the master and slavestations. Otherwise, the information field is not used. The FCS fieldprovides for error detection on the COM line.

The communications protocol is of the SDLC half-duplex type. Three typesof commands are available, a request for action, requests forinformation and status, and sending of information. Requests for actionare sent from the master station to a slave station. The slave stationsignals a receipt of the request with an acknowledgment or negativeacknowledgment. The slave station signals the completion of, or theinability to complete, the requested action the next time it is polled.

A request for information and status results in a specified responsefrom the slave station to the master station. Specifically, a responseis made the next time the slave station is polled. Generally, all COMline control is initiated by the master station as requested by itsassociated main CPU 200. However, the master station is programmed toindependently poll all slave stations and allow them to send backinformation when they are ready to do so. With the master station COMCPU 230 performing this polling function, the main CPU 200 is able toperform tasks other than those specific to the COM line, until asecondary station has sent information.

The sending of information includes the downloading of programs andother information. This transmission occurs a block at a time so thereis no need for null data to be sent, resulting in efficient use of theCOM line.

COM Line Control Software

1. Master Station Controller

With reference to FIG. 12B, in the manager's computer 32 the GCOM CPU230 serves as the master station controller on the global COM line 27and the LCOM CPU 230 serves as the master station controller on themanager's local COM line 29. In application as a gamemaker 74, the LCOMCPU 230 serves as a master station controller on the gamemaker local COMline 75. In each of the above instances, the COM line master stationcontroller handles the physical interface with its associated COM line.It handles all message passing, secondary time out detection, andpolling of all connected slave stations. The software modules which areused in the control by the master station are: initialization, taskhandler, FIFO corruption handler, transmit FIFO reader, receive FIFOwriter, FIFO checksum error handler, transmission handler, poll handler,and query handler.

The intialization module sets the controller to the master station modeand sets up transmit and receive buffers. The task handler module isutilized to execute operation of the remaining modules, with theexception of the FIFO checksum error handler module and the queryhandler module.

The FIFO corruption handler module is utilized to indicate if datareceived by either the write FIFO 239 or the read FIFO 240 is corrupted.The transmit FIFO reader module is utilized when data has been receivedand is to be transmitted to the BD Bus 217 from the read FIFO 240.Similarly, the receive FIFO writer module is utilized When data in thewrite FIFO 239 is to be transmitted therefrom on the associated COMline.

The transmission handler module is used to transmit commands to asecondary station. The poll handler module is utilized to periodicallypoll the slave stations to determine if data is available fortransmission to the master station. The query handler module is utilizedto transmit a query command to a slave station.

2. Slave Station Controller

The global COM line slave station controller, the GCOM CPU 230 of eachgamemaker 74, controls the physical interface to the global COM line 27.The software modules which are used in the control of the global COMline slave stations are: initialization, task handler, FIFO corruptionhandler, transmit FIFO reader, receive FIFO writer, FIFO checksum errorhandler and transmission handler. These modules operate similarly tothose discussed above relative to the master station.

3. Manager's Computer Internal Communications

Communications between the main CPU 200 and the GCOM and LCOM CPU's 230of the manager's computer 32 are implemented utilizing the followingsoftware modules: OS-9 device driver, COM talker, COM watcher,initialization, transmit FIFO writer, receive FIFO interrupt handler,FIFO corruption handler, and FIFO checksum error handler.

The OS-9 device driver module is a collection of subroutines that arecalled as required by the OS-9 operating system, described below. Theseroutines enable the other modules, when called, to operate. The COMtalker module is the interface between the application processes, suchas the lane control process or the game control process, and the OS-9device driver for transfer of data to the global COM line 27 or themanager's local COM line 29. The COM watcher module reconstitutesmessages from the COM lines 27 or 29 and sends them to the appropriateapplication processes. The transmit FIFO writer module transmits data tothe write FIFO 239 for transmission on the COM line 27 or 29. Thereceive FIFO interrupt handler module is responsive to the CDAVinterrupt signal from the read status latch 245 for controlling thetransfer of data from the read FIFO 240 to the main CPU 200. The FIFOcorruption handler module is utilized when a signal has been receivedindicating that the data is corrupted i.e., the data is invalid. TheFIFO checksum error handler module initiates FIFO diagnostic operationand provides a signal that the COM line receive operation is inoperable.

4. Gamemaker Internal Communications

Communications between the main CPU 200 and the GCOM and LCOM CPU's 230of the gamemaker 74 is controlled to buffer data to and from respectiveassociated COM line 27 and 75. When data is received by either CPU 230from a COM line 27 or 75, the interrupt signal CDAV is generated by theread status latch circuit 245, see FIG. 12B, for transmission to theinterrupt control 224. Responsive thereto, the main CPU 200 processesthe received data in accordance with the priority associated with theinterrupt. The transmission of data from the main CPU 200 to either COMline 27 or 75 is time sliced driven, as discussed in greater detailrelative to the gamemaker software, below.

5. Internal Communication Format

With reference to FIG. 23, there is illustrated the format used for thetransfer of data commands or data types between the main CPU 200 andeither the GCOM or LCOM CPU 230. This format is used for both themanager's computer 32 and gamemaker 74 internal communications.Specifically, a "command" is transmitted from the main CPU 200, andgenerally results in transmission on the COM line to a slave station. A"data type" or response, is transmitted to the main CPU 200, and isgenerally received by a master station from a slave station.

For data transmission of command signals from the main CPU 200 to thewrite fifo 239, start and end flag fields are used as markers thatindicate the beginning and end of the data to be transmitted. A stationaddress field indicates the slave station to which the information is tobe transmitted. A control byte field indicates the length of the commandor information field. An SDLC I-field contains a command referencenumber, auxiliary addresses and the specific command information. Theauxiliary address field relates to whether the transmitted informationrelates to the left lane, the right lane, both lanes or all devices atthe station which is being transmitted to. The FCS field is utilized toprovide for error detection.

The data transfer format for data type signals between the read FIFO 240and the main CPU 200 is similar to that above except that the stationaddress field indicates the address of the COM line slave station wheredata has been received from, and the first portion of the I-fieldcomprises a data type signal reference number.

Gamemaker Local COM Line Communications

On the gamemaker local COM line 75 the gamemaker 74 is the masterstation with the slave stations being the gamesetter 76, the bowlerinput station 18, the ball trajectory unit 80 and the RS232 converter 78for the remote keyboard 24.

1. Gamemaker--Gamesetter

For communications between the gamemaker 74 and the gamesetter 76, eachcommand comprises a number identifying the specific command and the laneof the lane pair to which the command relates. The commands are usuallygenerated by the gamemaker 74 under the control of a game program andtransmitted over the COM line 75 to control operation of the gamesetter76, and thus pinsetter 14. A partial list of COM line commands to thegamesetter 76 is provided in table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Number           Command                                                      ______________________________________                                        1                Read the pins                                                2                Pickup and sweep                                             3                Sweep and set                                                4                Return to home                                               5                Bowl a frame                                                 6                Verify the pin pattern                                       ______________________________________                                    

Command No. 1, the "read the pins" command forces the selected lane toread current pins standing on the deck. Particularly, this commandcauses the gamesetter 76 to perform the "read the pins" operationdiscussed above in the Gamesetter Operations section hereof.Alternatively, the gamesetter 76 could acquire the pin standing datafrom the optical scanner 86. The gamesetter 76 responds by transmittingthe pin standing data to the gamesetter 74.

The "pick up and sweep" command, No. 2, causes the gamesetter 76 toperform the "pick up and sweep" operation discussed above in theGamesetter Operations section hereof. Specifically, responsive to thiscommand, the gamesetter 76 performs the read the pins operation, ifnecessary or desired, lifts the standing pins and sweeps the dead woodfrom the deck, and replaces the standing pins on the deck. Thereafter,the pinsetter 14 returns to its "home" position.

The "sweep and set" command, No. 3, forces the lane to sweep the deckclear of pins and set a new pattern which is contained in the command.Specifically, the gamesetter 76 performs the pinsetting operationillustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 11. The pin pattern set iscontained in a two byte portion of the information field for theinformation frame, see FIG. 22, with a logic one corresponding to a pinposition where a pin should be set.

The "return to home" command, No. 4, forces the Gamesetter 76 to placethe pinsetter 14 in the at home position. This command is commonlyissued after the "read the pins" command.

According to the particular game program being implemented, thegamemaker 74 can control all pinsetter 14 machine movement throughoutthe playing of the game. Alternatively, the game program can provideframe information, so that within a particular bowling frame thegamesetter 76 controls operation of the pinsetter 14 without receivinginterim commands from the gamemaker 74.

The "bowl a frame" command, No. 5 is used to define an entire frame ofbowling. In order to bowl a frame, the starting pin pattern must beidentified and the number of attempts to make the pattern, i.e. knockall of the pins down, must be defined. When "bowl a frame" has beencommanded, the gamesetter 76 is operable, as discussed above, to set aselected pattern of pins, and thereafter to selectively permit thebowler to play up to the maximum number of balls allowed in the frameuntil all pins have been knocked down. The frame is also optionallyautomatically ended when the foul detector 92 detects that a player hasstepped over the line. Once a frame has been completed, the gamesetter76 halts operation of the pinsetter 14 until the gamemaker 74 issues thenext command, such as ordering the next frame.

Although certain of the games cannot be defined using frames, it isdesirable to use the "bowl a frame" command as it allows each gamesetter76 to better optimize machine operation of its associated pinsetters 14due to the fact that the gamesetter 76 need not continually wait forcommands from the gamemaker 74.

The "verify the pin" command, No. 6 is used to verify which pins arestanding on the deck. The pin standing data can be obtained byperforming the read the pins operation or by utilizing the pin fallscanner 86.

A partial list of gamesetter data types or responses is provided inTable 2, below. Some of these responses are sent as a result of commandsbeing issued by the gamemaker 74. Others of the responses areunsolicited and provide lane status information to the gamemaker 74 whenthe gamemaker 74 periodically polls the gamesetter 76. Specifically, the"ball sensor activated" response, No. 4, indicates that a ball has beenthrown. Response No. 5, "pin standing data", is generated after a lanehas been commanded to read the standing pins and comprises in part twobytes containing pin standing information. For example, a "1" indicatesa standing pin, while a "0" indicates a fallen pin.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Number        Response                                                        ______________________________________                                        1             Commanded operation complete                                    2             Commanded operation in process                                  3             Commanded operation aborted                                     4             Ball sensor activated                                           5             Pin standing data                                               ______________________________________                                    

2. Gamemaker--Remote Keyboard or Bowler Input Station

The gamemaker 74 communicates with the remote keyboard 24 over the localCOM line 75 through using the RS232 converter circuit 78, see FIG. 13.The bowler input station 18 includes a converter circuit, see FIG. 14,for communicating on the local COM line 75. The commands transmittedfrom the gamemaker 74 to these devices include a configuration blockcommand, a stop sending data command, a resume sending data command anda data to device command. The configuration block command includesinformation which defines the type of device, the data transmission rateand data transfer formats. The stop and resume data commands are used tocontrol when the addressed slave device should respectively stop orbegin sending data to the gamemaker 74. The data to device command isutilized to send specific data to be acted on by the addressed device.For example, the data to device command is used to select which keys onthe bowler input station keypad 328 are backlit by the display device358.

The bowler input station 18 and remote keyboard 24 in turn transmitserial data to the gamemaker 74. Particularly, each data type responsereceived by the LCOM CPU 230 therefrom represents the key on therespective keyboards which has been depressed by a user thereof.

3. Gamemaker--Ball Trajectory Unit

The communications between the gamemaker 74 and the ball trajectory unit80 include a command requesting ball trajectory data, and a restartcommand for defining the parameters to be used by the ball trajectoryunit 80 for obtaining ball trajectory data. The ball trajectory sensingdevice 80 responds to a data request from the gamemaker by transmittinga data type or response comprising a data set to the gamemaker 74.Particularly, the ball trajectory unit 80 divides the lane into eightwindows and for each window transmits x-y coordinate informationrepresenting the ball distance from the foul line and the left laneedge. Also, data is transmitted representing the distance from the leftlane edge at 45 feet, the foreground velocity, the background velocityand the ball entry angle into the pins.

The ball trajectory data is used under the control of a game program fordisplay on the overhead monitors 20, or for scoring according to theparticular game program, and under the control of the remote terminalmanager task for display in graphic format at the remote terminal 21.

Gamemaker Software

The purpose of the gamemaker 74 is to automatically score a variety ofdifferent bowling games, control the operation of the gamesetter 76, anddisplay game scores on the overhead monitors 20L and 20R for theparticular game that has been downloaded from the manager's computer 32.The gamemaker 74 also controls the operation of the remote area terminal21. To accomplish these tasks, the gamemaker 74 communicates on theglobal COM line 27 to the manager's computer 32 and on the local COMline 75 to the bowler input station 18, the remote area keyboard 24, theball trajectory unit 80 and the gamesetter 76. Additionally, thegamemaker is provided with means for generating video signals for thedisplaying of exciter type graphics to mark significant events during abowling game, for displaying special graphics and score sheets forunique bowling games, and displaying the graphics required forinstructional purposes.

The basic operation of the gamemaker 74 is determined according to thegamemaker operating system, or GMOS. GMOS is stored in the gamemakerEPROM 204, see FIG. 12A. Under the control of GMOS, software which canbe loaded into the system includes a game program for either or bothlanes and a program for operating the remote area terminal 21. Normally,the game software and remote area terminal software are downloaded fromthe manager's computer 32 over the global COM line 27. Additionally,game programs for stand-alone bowling games and a default program arestored in the EPROM 204. The mode key switch, see FIG. 12B, determineswhich of the game programs are utilized for either or both lanes.Particularly, two stand-alone games are included, one for ten-pin openbowling for play on each lane, and one for a league ten-pin bowlingcross lane game. The default bowling game merely provides for minimaloperation of the gamemaker 74, but does not permit bowling to be played,as discussed more specifically below.

Operating System

GMOS is a general purpose time slicing multi-tasking system withemphasis on voluntary relinquishment of control. GMOS does this bydividing the available real time equally between the tasks that areusing large amounts of time through the well known time slicingprocedure, while providing the rest of the tasks control on a regularbasis as requested. A time slice is defined as the maximum amount oftime that each task may operate during a system frame. The GMOSoperating system incorporates special facilities described herein forreal-time operation of two separate video displays. Although three videodisplays are supported, only two displays use the real-time systemresources at a given time. Additional monitors can also be supported ifnecessary.

The GMOS operating system operates on approximately a sixteen toseventeen millisecond time base supplied by the video system repeatinginterrupt VIDEO1 INT. It attempts to operate in step with this timebase, making operating system frames occur one per video frame. Within asystem frame all tasks that need to operate get control of the systemfor part of the system frame. If the system becomes overloaded, when anoperating system frame is running longer than sixteen milliseconds, thenthe GMOS operating system shortens the time slice time in an effort tokeep as close to the sixteen millisecond time base as possible. The timeslice size is 11 milliseconds for video tasks and varies between 5milliseconds and 13 milliseconds, in 2 milliseconds increments, fornon-video tasks. Regardless of the overload, all scheduled non-videotasks operate in the system frame. The system generally stays close tothe sixteen millisecond time base with up to three tasks doingcontinuous processing.

All timing in the system, except for the video tasks, is done in frames,which are system frames. These system frames are, for all practicalpurposes, approximately sixteen to seventeen milliseconds long, but areslightly longer during system overload. In the case of an underloadcondition, any excess time is wasted by a system "dummy" task. In eachsystem frame, the system conducts necessary system processing, then itexecutes the task dispatcher. The task dispatcher walks through anactive task list and gives control to any task that is scheduled tooperate in the current system frame. The task maintains control, exceptduring interrupt processing, until the task voluntarily returns controlto the system, the task is time sliced due to usage of its timeallotment in the current system frame, or the task is time sliced due tothe activation of a video task. In the latter instance, the task resumesexecution in the current system frame if there is a meaningful amount oftime left in its current allotment.

After running all tasks that are due to be run in the system frame, thesystem undertakes final system processing and then the frame iscompleted. The final system processing includes analyzing how much timeelapsed during the frame, and adjustment of the time slice size. Ifthere has not been a video repeating interrupt during the system frame,then the system activates the dummy task which loops in user mode untilthe video interrupt is received. This is done so that the system sees auser mode task operating if an interrupt should trigger a video taskactivation.

According to the preferred embodiment, up to thirty tasks may exist atany one time. Examples of such tasks include left lane game task, rightlane game task, and remote area task. Additionally, each task may createsub-tasks as necessary or desired according to the particular processingneeds. The system provides facilities for the operation of up to twovideo tasks. The video tasks operate similarly to any other task runningunder the system except that they control system video subroutines fortheir operation. The video tasks begin operation close to a particularvideo half line number in a specified video frame. A video frame is thetracing of one full video screen starting from the beginning of thelower border, which is where the video repeating interrupt VIDEO1 INToccurs.

The two video tasks are intended to be used for each of the two overheaddisplay monitors 20L and 20R. Therefore, normally non-game tasks do notbecome video tasks. In fact, if a non-game task controls a videosubroutine, then a game task may not be able to control the videosubroutine when it is needed.

Associated with each task is a task control block, or TCB, whichcontains all the data associated with that task. The TCB provides spacefor storing the entire main CPU state, i.e., all data and addressregisters, the PC and status register, as well as a user memory stack.Included in the TCB is a "sleep timer" which defines the amount of timethat must elapse, in system frames, until the next activation of thetask. The TCB also includes status bits which indicate criticalinformation to the task dispatcher. Particularly, a D-bit is set whenthe task is stopped, an S-bit is set if the last time the task lostcontrol it was the result of time slicing, a V-bit is set if the task isone of the two video tasks, and a P-bit is set if the task has alreadybeen processed in the current system frame. Also, two video blocks areprovided, one for each of the two video tasks. The video block includesdata relative to the number of video frames which should elapse beforethe video task takes control, and the video half line number at whichcontrol should begin.

As discussed above, the GMOS operating system supports two video tasksusing real-time video processing. These tasks may request control at anygiven line in a given video frame. If both video tasks ask for controlin the same system frame, then the task that had control least recentlyis given control of that system frame, and the other task is givencontrol in the following system frame. In this manner, if video tasksrequest even system frame counts, they run perfectly out of phase afterthe first concurrent request. A video task that requests activationevery system frame is activated in the absence of the other video task.Two video tasks asking for control of every system frame interleavesystem frames perfectly and a video task asking for control every systemframe does not disturb a video task asking for control every othersystem frame. A video task is confined to run in the system frame inwhich it starts. If the video repeating interrupt comes along while avideo task is operating, then it is time sliced, and then is resumed atthe next repeating interrupt. The video frame counter for the video tasktakes into account that a task which is time sliced has no notion thatsystem frames elapsed while it was executing.

The GMOS operating system provides coordination software for managementof tasks by the system, and provides these facilities to the tasksthemselves for management of sub-tasks they create. The system providesmanagement of the dynamic RAM to which software is to be loaded, andprovides a system by which the boundaries and sizes may be modifiedwithout alteration of the system software. The system maintains andverifies a CMOS RAM jump region through which critical areas of ROM'edsoftware may be patched. The system offers dynamic allocation of RAMblocks and movement of task stacks to such blocks.

The GMOS operating system executable software is divided into severalmodules. A vector module contains the global system jump table that therest of the system utilizes to interface the GMOS system. The jump tableis designed to provide all system entry points at fixed addresses suchthat changes to the system do not affect the user interface. A systemmodule contains initialization, error handlers, and the task dispatcher.It also contains a voluntary system return point and a time slicingtask-switcher, and the interrupt handlers for the real timeclock/calendar, video repeating interrupt and video line interrupt. Autility module contains utility routines for the task dispatcher andtask switcher, and the software for creating new tasks, allocating andfreeing memory blocks and user stack manipulation routines.

A coordination module contains the task coordination software forstopping, starting, killing, and checking existence of other tasks. Anoperation module contains all the software related to the operation ofthe bowling center system. This module includes start up operation basedon key switch states, COM interface for loading and starting game andremote software, software for transferring and starting stand-alonegames and downloadable bowling games and the initial remote areaterminal program, and the GMOS utility task which continually monitorsthe key switch and keeps track of currently running software for bothlanes and the remote area. A hardware module contains all software thattalks to any hardware device. A CMOS module contains the software forinitializing and validating the CMOS vector patch area and contains theallocation labels within the CMOS vector patch region. A RAM modulecontains GMOS RAM definitions which is a file of global labels definingsystem RAM.

With reference to FIGS. 24A-24C, a flow diagram illustrates theoperation of the GMOS operating system.

When the gamemaker is first powered up, or a system reset is initiatedin any known manner, a power on diagnostics routine is automaticallyperformed. Thereafter, the GMOS operating system is booted by a jump toits first vector. GMOS assumes that it is already in the supervisormode, and the supervisor stack pointer points somewhere at valid RAM.

Operation begins at a block 430 where the gamemaker hardware isinitialized. Hardware initialization is operable to mask all of theinterrupts, clear the system DRAM memory 202, initialize the videocircuit 246, including loading global video hardware parameters from afixed table into a hardware register list, initializing the global videowrite mask to initialize the color palette circuits 259-261 for eachvideo monitor and enabling all three displays, and initializing thecalendar clock circuit 221.

As discussed above, each task includes a TCB. At a block 432 a free taskcontrol block list is created. This list links all the TCB's together.As each task is created, the created task utilizes a free task controlblock from the free TCB list for storing its particular TCB. A freememory block list is then created at a block 434. The free memory blocklist is a linked list of available memory which can be utilized forgeneral purposes.

A CMOS RAM patch area is initialized at a block 436. As discussed above,software for the GMOS operating system, the stand-alone bowling games,and the graphics library is stored in the EPROM 204. Often, it isdesirable to modify the software. Such modification requires that theEPROM 204 be replaced or reprogrammed. Such action can be difficult andcostly to accomplish if numerous gamemaker game control units 74 areinstalled in the field. Therefore, the software is written so that itoccasionally accesses patch areas in the CMOS RAM 206. The CMOS RAMpatch area may be utilized by downloading software patches from themanager's computer 32 to correct bugs or to implement changes in thesystem operation. As such, any such change can easily and readily bemade to provide a temporary "fix" prior to reprogramming or replacingthe EPROM 204.

A default system time slice size is stored in the EPROM 204 at a block438. In the preferred embodiment, the default time slice size is 11milliseconds for a video task and 13 milliseconds for a non-video task.The time slice size for non-video tasks is variable as described below.

At a block 440, the COM interface is initialized. This interface relatesto communications between the main CPU 200 and the GCOM and LCOM CPU's230, as discussed above in the section entitled Communications. Theinterface includes software which is used to load and start game andremote area terminal software from the manager's computer 32.

The interrupt mask is removed at a block 442. Particularly, GMOSutilizes the video system repeating interrupt VIDEO1 INT for definingthe system frames and the calendar clock interrupt CIRQ, which occursevery two milliseconds, during system operation. The calendar clockinterrupt is used to determine when a particular task should be timesliced.

At a block 444, trap instructions are stored throughout the system DRAMmemory 202. These traps are utilized as a safety feature as bytransferring control from a "run away" program back to the system.

A GMOS utility task is started at a block 446. The utility task isoperable to monitor the state of the mode key switch 226, and to monitorthe number of active tasks. An active task is any task which is capableof operating on the system. The utility task may operate, for example,every eight system frames, i.e., approximately every 1/8 second.

At a block 448, a COM utility task is started. Particularly, at thispoint communication is enabled between the main CPU 200 and the GCOM andLCOM CPU's 230 for transmitting and receiving data to or from therespective global and local COM lines 27 and 75. This task continuallymonitors for the communications interrupt CDAV and responsive theretopasses control to the COM interface. Once communications processing iscompleted control is returned to the system.

As discussed above, the mode key switch 226 can be manually set in anyone of four positions. These four positions are stand-alone league game,stand-alone open game, normal or diagnostics. A decision block 450determines whether or not the key switch 226 is in the stand-aloneleague position. If so, then at a block 452, the game program for thestand-alone league game is transferred from the EPROM 204 to the DRAM202. This league program operates both lanes in the lane pair to playstandard league ten pin cross lane bowling. Thereafter, the gamesoftware is started at a block 454. Starting the game comprises creatinga single game task at a league entry point of the copy in the DRAM 202.

If it is determined at the decision block 450 that the mode key switch226 is not in the stand-alone league position, then a decision block 456determines whether or not the key switch 226 is in the stand-alone openposition. If so, then at a block 458 the game program for thestand-alone open game is transferred from the EPROM 204 to a first blockof the DRAM 202 utilized for purposes of the left lane game program andalso to a second block of the DRAM 202 related to the right lane gameprogram. Accordingly, each of the lanes in the lane pair operates theopen bowling game independently. Subsequently at a block 460 the gameprogram for each lane is started as by creating two game tasks, one forthe left lane and one for the right lane.

If it is determined at the decision block 456 that the mode key switch226 is not in the stand-alone open position, then a decision block 462determines whether or not the key switch 226 is in the normal position.If so, then at block 464 the default game program is transferred fromthe EPROM 204 to a first block of the DRAM 202 for the left lane andalso to a second block of the DRAM 202 for the right lane, as above.This default game software prevents the system from locking up andmaintains the lane pair in a vacant state which prohibits a bowler fromplaying a game. The default game program is started at a block 466 as bycreating the two game tasks. Subsequently, at a block 468 software foroperating the remote area terminal 21 is downloaded from the manager'scomputer 32 over the global COM line 27. This downloading is done onlyif the mode key switch 226 is in the normal position as it is assumedthat the stand-alone games are utilized only when communications on theglobal COM line 27 are inoperable. However, the system could be modifiedso that the remote area software is downloaded regardless of the modekey position. The remote area software is started at a block 470 as bycreating a remote area task. The operation of the remote area softwareis described below relative to the remote area terminal operation.

If it is determined at the decision block 462 that the mode key switch226 is not in the normal position, then it is determined at a decisionblock 472 if the switch 226 is in the diagnostic position. If so, then akey diagnostics program is run at a block 474 and subsequently thesystem restarts. If the switch 226 is not in the diagnostic position,then the system indicates an error at a block 476 and the systemrestarts.

Control advances from any of the blocks 454, 460 or 470 to the taskdispatcher 478, see FIG. 24B. The task dispatcher is used to regulatethe processing among the active tasks in the system. The task statusword of each task's TCB is utilized by the dispatcher in determiningwhen to permit operation of any particular task.

The task dispatcher operation begins at a block 480 which sets a pointerto the active task list. Thereafter, at a block 482, a variable A is setto equal N where N is the number of active tasks in the active tasklist. Also, a variable X is set equal to zero. The variable X representsthe number of the task being considered by the task dispatcher.Subsequently, at a block 484, the variable X is incremented by 1, and ata decision block 486 it is determined whether or not the variable X isgreater than the variable A. The variable X is greater than the variableA if the current task number being considered is greater than the numberof tasks in the active task list. If the variable X is not greater thanthe variable A, as determined at the decision block 486, then at a block488 the task dispatcher gets task number X from the active task list.Subsequently, the system utilizes the task status word to determinewhether or not task number X should be activated. Particularly, at adecision block 490, it is determined whether or not the P-bit has beenset indicating that the task has already been processed in this frame.Normally, the P-bit is not used because the task dispatcher sequencesthrough the active tasks within a system frame, so that each task isonly considered once during the system frame. However, GMOS provides thecapability for a task to be advanced to the head of the active task listso that it gets control at the beginning of the system frame. When thisoccurs, the P-bit is set to advise the task dispatcher not to activatethe task when it encounters it during its normal sequencing through theactive task list. If the task dispatcher detects that the P-bit is set,then it clears the P-bit at a block 492 and returns to the block 484 sothat the next task on the active task list can be considered. If thetask has not yet been processed in the system frame, then a decisionblock 494 determines whether or not the V-bit is set indicating that thetask is a video task. Video tasks are not activated in the same order asnon-video tasks. Instead, a video task is activated in conjunction withrefresh processing. Therefore, if the task is a video task, then controlreturns to the block 484 to increment to the next task on the activetask list.

If the task is not a video task, then a decision block 496 determineswhether or not the S-bit is set, indicating that the task was sliced inthe last system frame. If the task was sliced in the last frame, thenthe task should be activated so that it can continue processing where itleft off in the previous system frame. If the task was not sliced in theprevious frame, than a decision block 498 determines whether or not thetask has reached its awake time i.e., it's sleep timer is equal to zero.As discussed above, when a task is put to sleep, its sleep timer storesa value indicating how many subsequent system frames should elapsebefore the task is again awakened. If it is not yet time for the task toawake, then control returns to the block 484 to consider the next task.If the task awake time is reached, as determined at the block 498, thena decision block 502 determines whether or not the D-bit is setindicating that the task is in the stop state. If the task is stopped,then control advances to the block 484 to increment to the next tasknumber.

If it is determined at the block 496 that the task was previouslysliced, or if it is determined at the block 502 that the task is notstopped, then control advances to a block 504, see FIG. 24C, where thetask, number X, is set up for operation. The task is set up foroperation by pointing to the TCB associated therewith and restoring thesystem registers to the state they were the last time the task wasactivated. As discussed above, the TCB stores the entire system state.Thereafter, the system gets the current slice time size at a block 506.

A time slice timer for the task is started at a block 508. Thereafter, adecision block 510 determines whether or not a video task is pending.Video tasks begin their operation close to a particular video half linenumber in a specified video frame. If a video task is pending, then atask switcher is operable to load the TCB for the task that is beingremoved into a preselected memory location and to set up the video taskfor operations as discussed above relative to the block 504. In eithercase, the task which is currently set up is activated at a block 514.Activation of the task results in the task beginning normal processingactivity according to the particular tasks function.

Once a task is activated, then a decision block 516 determines whetheror not the activated task is ready to voluntarily relinquish control.The situations in which the task voluntarily relinquishes controlinclude the task reaching a sleep status, a video status or a deadstatus. The sleep status results when the task has completed itsnecessary processing. When the task returns to the sleep status thesleep timer must be set to the number of system frames that shouldelapse before the task again regains control. If the task desires tooperate as a video task, then the task must voluntarily relinquishcontrol and indicate the number of elapsed video frames before itdesires to assume control, and at which video line, specified in termsof the half lines, it should assume control. If the task already has avideo block, then the data is put in the task's video block. Otherwise,the system checks to see if it can allocate a video block to the task.The first criterion is that there is a free video block available. Thetask reaches the dead status if the task processing is complete and itshould not be included on the active task list. For example, when a gamehas ended and it is requested to load a new game from the manager'scomputer 32, then the current game task first reaches the dead status.

If the task has not voluntary relinquished control, then a decisionblock 518 determines whether the slice time is up. The slice time isused up if the time slice timer started at the block 508 exceeds thecurrent slice time as determined at the block 506. Also, if theactivated task is a video task, then it is sliced by the VIDEO1 INTsignal. If not, then a decision block 519 determines if the repeatingvideo interrupt signal VIDEO1 INT has been received. If not, then thesystem returns to the decision block 516 and the task continuesprocessing. If the VIDEO1 INT has been received, then control returns tothe decision block 510 to determine if a video task is pending, whichtask should then immediately begin processing using the task switcher,discussed above. If the slice time is up, as determined at the decisionblock 518, then the task is set to the sliced status as by setting theTCB status word S-bit equal to one at a block 520. Thereafter, controlreturns to the block 484 to consider the next task in the active tasklist.

If the task has voluntarily relinquished control, as determined at thedecision block 516, then a decision block 522 determines whether or notthe relinquishing task is a video task. If not, then the system returnsto the block 484 to consider the next task. If the relinquishing task isa video task which took control responsive to the task switcher, thenthe system determines whether or not there is enough time left in thetime slice to begin processing of the task, number X, which had been setup at the block 504 prior to the operation of the task switcher at theblock 512. If not, then control advances to the block 520 to set thetask to the sliced status. If there is enough time left, then at a block526 the task switcher restores the set up of the task which had beenswitched out, sets the remaining time slice size and returns to theblock 508 to start the time slice timer. Thereafter, the task isactivated at the block 514.

The task dispatcher is operable to consider each task in the active tasklist using the above-described cycle. Accordingly, each active task hasan opportunity to take control and perform processing within each systemframe. The system frame ideally remains constant at 16 milliseconds.However, depending upon the number of tasks which take control within agiven system frame, and the length of processing time required for eachsuch task, the system frame can extend beyond the sixteen millisecondsystem frame time. In this event, it is necessary to shorten the timeslice time so that subsequent frames remain as close as possible to thesixteen millisecond time. Similarly, if extra time is left in eachframe, then the slice time is expanded to allow tasks to completeprocessing within the system frame without being sliced as often.

If the variable X exceeds the number A of active tasks, indicating thatall active tasks have been processed, as determined at the decisionblock 486, then the time slice size is reset at a block 528.Specifically, the system time slice size is initially set to 13milliseconds at the block 438, see FIG. 24A. If the elapsed time in thecurrent frame is greater than a preselected time, for example 17milliseconds, indicating an overload condition, then the time slice sizeis decreased by 2 milliseconds to 11 milliseconds at the block 528.Subsequently during any frame in which such an overload conditionexists, the time slice size is decreased by 2 milliseconds. Conversely,if the elapsed time in a system frame is less than a preselected time,for example 16 milliseconds, then the time slice size is increased by 2milliseconds. The time slice size can vary between 5 milliseconds and 13milliseconds, in 2 millisecond increments. Use of the variable timeslice size permits the system to rapidly bring the system frame timeclose to 16 milliseconds when an overload occurs. The change is donerapidly enough so that the effect is not perceivable by a humanobserver. The minimum time slice size of 5 milliseconds is selected toreduce the thrashing effect of changing processor states too often.

Thereafter, a decision block 530 determines whether or not the mode key226 has changed position. The position of the mode key 226 is monitoredunder the utility task. If the mode key has changed, then controladvances to the decision block 450, see FIG. 24A, to determine the newkey position. If the key has not changed, then a decision block 532determines whether or not a new game has been loaded. The COM utilitytask is operable to indicate if a new game is downloaded from themanager's computer 32. Prior to the downloading of a new game, the oldgame task will have advanced to the dead status. If a new game isdownloaded, then the game is started at a block 534 as by creating agame task for the new game and adding this task to the active task list.In either case, a decision block 536 then determines whether or not therepeating video interrupt VIDEO1 INT has been received. As discussedabove, the video repeating interrupt is received every sixteenmilliseconds and is used to define the beginning of a new system frame.If the video repeating interrupt is received, then control returns tothe block 480 to begin a new system frame. If not, then there is timeremaining in the system frame. Since it is desirable to maintain thesystem frame size at 16 milliseconds, it is necessary to allow thesystem frame time to elapse prior to beginning the next frame.Therefore, a dummy task is set up at a block 538, using a dummy timeslice size as determined at a block 540. Thereafter, control advances tothe block 508 so that the dummy task is activated. The dummy taskbasically cycles in a loop until the frame VIDEO1 INT interrupt signalis received. A large time slice size is used at the block 540 so thatthe dummy task remains activated for the remainder of the system frametime. Once the system frame is completed, the operating system proceedsas discussed above to return to the block 480 to begin a new systemframe.

Game Software

For game operation, a software program for a selected game is loaded inthe DRAM memory 202. This game program is either a stand-alone gameprogram transferred from the EPROM 204 or any one of a plurality of gameprograms downloaded to the gamemaker 74 from the manager's computer 32.The game program includes the scoring algorithm, the score displayspecification and any other necessary graphic displays, and the gamelogic, including control for the pinsetter 14. The game program maydisplay statistical information, such as the "odds" of knocking down allof the standing pins. When a game is invoked, the GMOS operating systemperiodically gives the game software control of the gamemaker 74, asdiscussed above.

The gamemaker 74 is able to control a game on each of the two lanes inits pair. These two games may be different. The gamemaker 74 alsopermits cross-lane bowling for appropriate games. In the case ofcross-lane bowling only one game is allowed on the lane pair. Availableto each game is a video graphics library containing a set of videographic primitives. The video graphics library is available to all gamesand is resident in the gamemaker's EPROM memory 204. The gamemaker 74 iscapable of loading a game to one lane of a lane pair without affectingthe performance of a game running on the other lane of the lane pair.The gamemaker 74 permits the manager's computer 32 to terminate the gamecurrently active on a lane and download another game to it.

A game program consists of subroutines from two distinct areas. Thefirst area is from the set of games specific routines which aredownloaded to the gamemaker 74 from the manager's computer 32. Thesecond area is located in the gamemaker EPROM 204 and includescommunications, graphics library and GMOS routines.

A game utilizes, as input and output devices, the pinsetter 14 ascontrolled by the gamesetter 76, the bowler input station 18, the videoswitch 73 and the overhead displays 20L and 20R. Also, the balltrajectory management system inputs data which may be displayed. Thesefacilities can be turned on and off or enabled and disabled byinstructions present in the game program or directly from the manager'scomputer 32. For example, the video switch 73 can be operated in atournament mode as determined by a game program.

The basic structure of each game program is generally similar. Theinterface routines utilized are available from a library of functions.Only the game's display and scoring algorithms differ. Generally, allthe games have the same scoring philosophy, namely an original patternof pins is set on the deck and balls thrown at until all the pins havebeen knocked down, or the maximum number of balls allocated to knockdown the pins has been reached. However, games are not required tofollow such an approach.

A game utilizes two memory areas where variables are stored. The firstarea resides in the battery backed up CMOS RAM 206. Of this, a firstblock is also backed up at the manager's computer 32 and contains allthe information necessary to reconstruct the game in case of a powerfailure or other error. This block is referred to herein as the lanedatabase block. The lane database block includes a game independentdatabase and a game dependent database. The game independent databaseincludes accounting type information common to all games, relating to,for example, lane usage or game usage. The game dependent databasevaries according to the particular game. Illustratively, the gamedependent database includes, for each bowler, data on pin configurationfor each frame, bowler results for each frame, and other informationindicating the progress of a particular game from the beginning to themost recent activities in the game. A second block of memory containsnon-essential information such as color sets.

The second area of memory is a static variable area allocated by theGMOS operating system for storing whatever other information the gameneeds. For example, this information might indicate when a bowler inputstation has been invoked.

A game program consists of four distinct parts: user input, pinsettermonitoring and control, manager's computer interfacing and systemtiming. Each of these tasks, when activated, responds with somecombination of the following actions: update the bowler lane databaseblock; update the overhead displays; and/or format and send acommand/response status.

The manager's computer interface task monitors the global COM line forreceipt of commands. This task acts on any received command, and updatesthe database and overhead displays 20L and 20R as required and formats aresponse if necessary. It is also responsible for controlling theactivate/terminate indicator for any spawned tasks.

The pinsetter monitoring and control task controls communications withthe gamesetter 76. It marks events received from the gamesetter 76 andsends commands issued by the game program. It is also responsible forall game responses to pinsetter events. For example, it determines howto respond to a ball detect signal or what to do when pin fall data ispresent. This task scores, updates the database and overhead-displaysand determines the next commands to be sent to the pinsetter 14.

The user input task handles requests from the bowler input station 18.It acts on any received data, updates the database, and invokes playerdata entry functions and modifies the overhead display 20L or 20R asrequired. It also sends a string of displays to be lit at the bowlerinput station 18 when necessary.

The system timing task controls all timing for the game. Any event thatcauses a change to be made in the bowler lane database block alsoresults in a transparent updating of a duplicate lane database blockstored at the manager's control 26. In this manner, the manager'scontrol 26 always has an exact copy of the game's lane database block.In the event of a failure at the lane, the manager's control 26downloads the game to another available lane pair and the same game maycontinue where it left off. This lane database block is stored in theCMOS RAM 206 so that after a power failure, a game would be redownloadedand again be able to continue where it left off.

As discussed above, according to the position of the mode key switch226, see FIG. 12A, a stand-alone game program is copied from the EPROM204 to the DRAM 202 at start up. If the mode key switch 226 is in thenormal position, then communication is enabled between the manager'scomputer 32 and the gamemaker 74 for downloading any one of a pluralityof different games which are stored on the hard disk 270 connected tothe manager's computer 32. The particular operation for downloading agame program is discussed in greater detail below.

Simulated Golf Game

An example of one bowling game program which may be downloaded from themanager's computer 32 is for a bowling game which incorporates some ofthe schemes of play incorporated in playing the game of golf. The rulesand scoring method for such a game are described in greater detail inBrim pending application, Ser. No. 118,241, filed Nov. 9, 1987, owned bythe assignee of the present invention, the specification of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein.

According to this simulated golf bowling game, the player is allowed apreselected maximum number of balls to knock down all pins in each of apreselected plurality of holes or frames. The players may select acourse comprising different numbers of frames, such as nine or eighteen,such as the nine or eighteen holes in the game of golf. Each selectedcourse includes a predetermined sequence of differing pin set ups orpatterns defining the plurality of frames to be played by a player athis respective lane. Par values may be assigned to each frame or hole,preferably commensurate to the difficulty of the respective pin set ups.Each player is required to deliver at least one of the preselectedmaximum number of balls, e.g., five, in each of the differing frames.The number of balls delivered by each player in each frame is counted,along with the number of each player's pins remaining at the end of theframe, to determine a score for each player for each frame. Eachplayer's frame score which is determined by such counting is recorded asthe game progresses with the player's playing in turn.

With reference to FIG. 25A, a flow diagram illustrates the overalloperation of the simulated golf game program. Also, with reference toFIG. 26, there is illustrated a graphical representation of an overheadmonitor display used in conjunction with the simulated golf game.Particularly, the overhead display includes an upper section having acustom graphic portion including a background G depicting the "green"for the hole on a golf course. A flag F is included in the greenindicating the hole or frame number. Overlaying the green is a depictionof the pins standing on the deck at any given time, as communicated tothe gamemaker 74 from the gamesetter 76, as discussed above. The bottomsection of the display illustrates a conventional golf score sheet Sincluding positions for the name of each bowler, the par value for eachwhole or frame, as well as scoring information, including a total score.

The flow diagram of FIG. 25A comprises a generalized flow diagramrepresenting major operational routines of the game program for thesimulated golf game. FIGS. 25B-25H represent the individual routines ofthe game program operation, as described in greater detail below.

The game program begins at a block 550 at which the game program isinitialized. A detailed flow diagram of the program initialization isprovided in FIG. 25B. A decision block 552 then determines whether ornot a different game has been requested. If a different game has beenrequested, then the current game is ended at a block 554, a request fora new game is transmitted to the manager's computer 32 at a block 556and the current game task is set to the dead status at a block 558 andthe game operation ends thereafter. If a different game has not beenrequested, as determined at the decision block 552, then the gameoperation provides a break for GMOS at a block 560. This break allowsGMOS to release operation of the task, as by placing the game task inthe sleep status, in the current system frame for rescheduling in asubsequent frame. In the next frame in which the game task is activated,control proceeds to a block 562 to check the global COM interface, seeFIG. 25C; to a block 564 to check the gamesetter interface, see FIG.25D; to a block 566 to update the gamesetter, see FIG. 25E; to a block568 to check the user interface, see FIG. 25G; and to a block 570 tocheck the game timers, see FIG. 25H. Thereafter, control returns to thedecision block 552 to determine whether or not a different game has beenrequested.

With reference to FIG. 25B, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe initialize game routine of block 550, see FIG. 25A. Control startsat a block 572 which is operable to initialize game variables. The gamevariables include the number of frames allowed in the game, i.e., nineor eighteen, the maximum number of bowlers, the maximum number of ballspermitted per frame and the pin patterns for each of the frames.According to the preferred embodiment, the game program includes adefault golf course and provisions for the bowler to select a differentcourse. The particular course selected determines which pin pattern isset in each frame. Also, the scoring information is cleared.

Communication with the gamesetter 76 is initialized at a block 574. Thebowler input station is initialized at a block 575. This initializationincludes a command to reset the bowler input station operation and toset up an initial display light pattern thereon using the display device358, See FIG. 14. The game timers, such as a one minute timer and abowler input station time out timer are initialized and reset at a block576. The ball trajectory unit is initialized at a block 577 so thatcommunication is provided between the game program for accessingtrajectory data and providing game information to the ball trajectoryunit table manager, as discussed above.

A decision block 578 then determines whether or not the game was loadedover an old game. This block determines if the current game is the firstnormal game to be loaded as after power up, or if another game waspreviously loaded. If another game was previously loaded, then it isnecessary to clear prior game data from the lane database block at ablock 579. Thereafter, or if the game was not loaded over an old game,then the pin pattern is set at a block 580. This pin pattern is normallyfor the first frame. However, if a pending game is being initializedafter a power failure or a lane transfer, then the pin pattern is forthe next frame in the pending game. A decision block 581 then determineswhether or not the old or pending game was running. If so, then it isnecessary to immediately start game play, which is done at a block 582.Otherwise, game play is initiated by bowler action, as discussed ingreater detail below, and the initialize game routine ends as byreturning to the overall system operation, see FIG. 25A.

With reference to FIG. 25C, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe check global COM interface routine of block 562, see FIG. 25A.Control begins at a decision block 583 which determines whether or not acommand has been received from the manager's computer 32 over the globalCOM line 27. If not, then this routine ends and control returns to themain system operation. If a command has been received, then a pluralityof linked decision blocks 584-591 decode the particular commandreceived. Specifically, a decision block 584 determines whether or not avacate lane command has been received. If so, then a decision block 592determines whether or not the lane is currently in use. If so, then thelane database block is uploaded to the manager's computer 32 at a block593. In either case, the current game is stopped at a block 594.Thereafter, the bowler input station display lights are set to enablethe bowler input requests, as necessary or desired, at a block 595 andthe routine ends.

If a download game command is received, as determined at the decisionblock 585, then a decision block 596 determines whether or not the newgame is the same as the current game. If not, then a block 597 indicatesthat a different game has been requested. This indication is used at thedecision block 552, see FIG. 25A to end operation of the current game.In either case, control then advances to the block 595.

If the command is a game control command, as determined at the decisionblock 586, then the game control command is decoded at a block 598.Particularly, game control command can be anyone of five commands asfollows:

1. Start and clear database;

2. start play;

3. Stop play;

4. Continue game;

5. Start practice.

Responsive thereto, the specific game control command is implemented ata block 599. More specifically, responsive to a start and clear databasecommand, the game program is started and the lane database block iscleared to allow for new data to be stored therein according to the newgame to be played. However, actual game play is not started. The startplay command is utilized to begin actual play of the game so thatscoring can begin for each player. The stop play command is used to stopplay from the manager's computer at any time. The game is continuedresponsive to a continue game command, or a new game is startedutilizing the start and clear database command and the start playcommand. The start practice command is used to allow a bowler topractice without any scoring resulting therefrom. After the particulargame command is implemented at the block 599, then control advances tothe block 595 to set the appropriate bowler input station displaylights.

If the command is a switch video command, as determined at the decisionblock 587, then a command to provide for the desired switchingarrangement is sent to the video switch 73 at a block 600. This commandthen controls the video switch 73, as discussed above, to implement thedesired video interconnection.

If the command is a remote bowler support command, as determined at thedecision block 588, then a decision block 601 determines whether or notthe remote bowler support command is operable to start remote bowlersupport. If so, then a switching command is sent to the video switch ata block 602 so that the video signal for the overhead display for theparticular lane is transmitted over the score transmission line 70 tothe manager's computer 32. If the command is not a start remote command,then a decision block 603 determines whether or not the command includesa stop remote command. If so, then the video switch is reset at a block604 to provide for normal operation. Otherwise, the remote bowlersupport command includes a key code. The key code is dependent upon theparticular key at the remote bowler input station 42 which has beendepressed by an operator at the manager's control desk. The code forthis key is stored in a buffer at a block 605. From any of the blocks602, 604 or 605, control advances to the block 595 to set the bowlerinput station display lights and return to the overall system operation.

If the command is a center control to game command, as determined at thedecision block 589, then the command is transmitted to the gamesetter 76at a block 606. Particularly, this command is used to turn variousperipheral devices, such as the foul detector unit 92 on or off. It isalso utilized, as discussed in greater detail below, to enable theoperator at the manager's control desk to command the gamesetter 76 tooperate the pinsetter 14 to set any desired pin pattern. This istypically utilized if a pin has been inadvertently knocked over so thatthe pin fall data stored in the gamemaker memory does not accuratelyreflect the actual standing pins. Thus, the operator can use the centercontrol to gain command and to generate a sweep and set command to thegamesetter 76. This command includes pinsetting data entered at themanager's computer keyboard 44 to spot the correct pin pattern on thedeck. From the block 606, control advances to the block 595.

If the command is a set new colors command, as determined at thedecision block 590, then new colors are saved at a block 607. Thesecolors are utilized for the overhead display monitors 20. Control thenadvances to the block 595.

If the command is a print database command, as determined at thedecision block 591, it is necessary for the game program to upload thelane database block to the manager's computer at a block 608 forprinting at the manager's control desk printer 46, see FIG. 2. Controlthen advances to the block 595. If the command is not a print databasecommand, as determined at the decision block 591, then the command maybe any one of a plurality of miscellaneous commands which do not relatedirectly to the game play. One such command is for displaying, orclearing a message on the overhead monitor 20. This command is stored ina buffer for later display under the user interface routine, see FIG.25G-2. Any such commands are decoded and acted on at a block 609 andcontrol then advances to the block 595.

With reference to FIG. 25D, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe check gamesetter routine of block 564, see FIG. 25A.

Control begins at a decision block 610 which determines whether or not amessage has been received from the gamesetter 76 over the local COM line75. If a message had been received, then a plurality of decision blocks611-616 are operable to determine the nature of the message received.Gamemaker to gamesetter communications generally relate to commandstransferred from the gamemaker 74 to the gamesetter 76, and responsesthereto. Also, the gamesetter 76 periodically uploads data to thegamemaker 74, such as when a ball has been thrown, and when new pin falldata is available. However, only a single command can be pending at anygiven time. Therefore, the gamemaker 74 stores any desired commands in aqueue, and when operation on the command has been completed, then thenext command in the queue is transmitted.

The decision block 611 determines whether or not the operation on thepending command is complete. If so, then the command is removed from thequeue at a block 617 and a command timer is stopped at a block 618.

The decision block 612 determines whether or not the message is a balldetect message. If so, then a ball detect flag is set at a block 619.The decision block 613 determines if the message is an indication thatthe command has been accepted by the gamesetter 76. If so, then acommand timer is set to zero at a block 620. This timer is operable todetermine how much time has elapsed since the pending command wasaccepted by the gamesetter 76, to allow a preselected maximum period oftime within which the commanded action is completed.

The decision block 614 determines whether or not the message relates topin fall data. If so, then the pin fall configuration is updated inmemory at a block 621 and a pin fall flag is set at a block 622. If themessage is an indication that the command was aborted, as determined atthe decision block 615, then an aborted status is set at a block 623. Ifthe message indicates that a fault has occurred at the decision block616 then an error flag is set at a block 624. If not, or no message hasbeen received from the gamesetter, as determined at the decision block610, then a decision block 625 determines whether or not the commandtimer has timed out. If so, the command is resent at a block 626. Ifnot, or from any of the blocks 618-620, 622-624 or 626, control advancesto a decision block 627 which determines whether or not the gamesetter76 is in an idle state. The gamesetter is in an idle state if there isno outstanding or pending command. If the gamesetter is not idle, thenthe routine ends. Otherwise, the next command in the queue is sent tothe gamesetter 76 at a block 628 and the routine ends.

With reference to FIG. 25E, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe update gamesetter routine of block 566, see FIG. 25A. Control beginsat a decision block 629 which determines whether or not actionresponsive to a pinsetting command is complete. This condition is trueif the most recent command from the gamemaker 74 to the gamesetter 76was a command which provided for the setting of pins, and this commandwas indicated as complete at the decision block 611, see FIG. 25. Ifthis condition is true, then control advances to a block 630 whichupdates the graphic portion of the overhead monitor 20. Particularly,with reference to FIG. 26, the number and positions of the pins whichwere set responsive to the pinsetting command is shown overlaying thegreen G. Thereafter, or if no such command is complete, then a decisionblock 631 determines whether or not the ball detect flag is set. If so,then a decision block 632 determines whether or not the game program isrunning. This is done due to the fact that the actual game can bestarted either by command from the manager's computer 32, by bowlercommand from the bowler input station, or by throwing the first ball. Ifthe game is not started yet, then a block 633 is operable to start gameplay. In either case, the ball trajectory unit is updated at a block634. This update is used to notify the ball trajectory unit tablemanager under the game in progress task, see FIG. 21, that a ball hasbeen thrown, and the name of the bowler, and the lane, frame and ballnumbers. If the ball detect flag is not set, as determined at thedecision block 631, or after the block 634, then a decision block 635determines whether or not the pin fall flag is set. If so, then theoverhead graphic display, see FIG. 26, is updated at block 636 toillustrate the correct pin configuration, and the score is updated at ablock 637. The particular operation for updating the score is describedin greater detail below relative to FIG. 25F. Thereafter, or if the pinfall flag is not set, then a decision block 638 determines whether ornot the set switch is on. The set switch is part of the pinsetter 14 andprovides a manual indication when the pin pattern must be reset due to apin being inadvertently knocked over, as discussed above relative to thecenter control to game command from the manager's computer 32. If theswitch is on, then the sweep and set command is sent to the gamesetterat a block 639 to command the gamesetter to set a new patterncorresponding to the pattern which the gamemaker game program expects tobe set on the deck. Thereafter, or if the set switch is not on, then theupdate gamesetter routine ends and returns to overall system operation,see FIG. 25A.

With reference to FIG. 25F, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe update score routine of block 637, see FIG. 25E. Control begins at ablock 640 which totals the number of pins that were knocked down.Subsequently, the lane database block is updated to indicate the frame,ball, bowler and pin fall, at a block 641. The overhead display, seeFIG. 26, is updated at a block 642 to indicate on the score sheet S thenew total for the number of balls thrown by the bowler in the particularframe or hole. Thereafter, a decision block 643 determines whether ornot the game has been completed for the particular bowler. The game iscomplete when the bowler has completed either nine or eighteen frames,according to the selected game. If so, then a bowler done flag is set ata block 644 and a game usage counter for the bowler is incremented at ablock 645.

Thereafter, or if the game is not complete for the particular bowler,then a decision block 646 determines whether or not the bowler hascompleted the current frame. The frame is completed if all the pins havebeen knocked down, as indicated at the block 640, above, or if thebowler has thrown the maximum number of balls for the frame as set atthe block 572, see FIG. 25B. As is obvious, the system could be modifiedso that the bowler is only allowed to throw up to one less than themaximum number of balls. Accordingly, if up to five balls are allowedper frame, and all pins have not, been knocked down as of the fourthball, then it can be assumed that the bowler should receive the maximumscore of five for the particular frame or hole. If the bowler frame iscomplete, then the bowler frame count is updated at a block 647, and theoverhead display, see FIG. 26, is updated at a block 648 to show a newtotal score for the particular bowler and to indicate that the nextbowler may begin play in either the current frame or the next frame,according to the bowler sequence. Thereafter, or if the bowler frame isnot complete, then a decision block 649 determines whether or not thegame is over for all bowlers. This is true if the bowler done flag isset for all of the bowlers playing the game on the lane. If so, then anindication is provided at a block 650 that the game is over. Thisindication is made on the overhead display, and by providing anindication to the manager's computer 32 providing a full database uploadbeing made to the manager's computer 32 with an indication that theupload was caused by the end of a game.

If the game is not over for all bowlers, then a decision block 651determines whether or not all bowlers have completed the current frame.If not, then the pin pattern for the current frame is reset at a block652, as by sending a sweep and set command to the gamesetter 76, so thatthe next bowler can play the frame using the same pin pattern. If theframe is over, then the pin pattern for the next frame, as selectedaccording to the game variables, is set at a block 653. After the pinpattern has been set at either block 652 or 653, or the game overindication is provided at the block 650, then the routine ends andcontrol returns to the update gamesetter routine, see FIG. 25E.

With reference to FIGS. 25G-1 and 25G-2 a flow diagram illustrates theoperation of the check user interface routine of block 568, see FIG.25A. This routine acts on requests made at the bowler input station 18or 42.

Control begins at a decision block 654 which determines whether or not amessage has been received from the bowler input station 18. If yes, thenthe system gets a key code at a block 655 according to the key which wasdepressed. Thereafter, or if no message is received, a decision block656 determines whether not the system is in the remote bowler supportmode discussed in greater detail below. If so, then the system gets akey code from the remote bowler support key buffer at a block 657.Thereafter, or if the system is not in the remote bowler support mode,then a decision block 658 determines whether or not the lane is in use.If the lane is not in use, then the routine ends. If the lane is in use,then a series of decision blocks 659-664 are operable to determine whatif any key code has been received from either the local bowler inputstation 18 or the remote bowler input station 42.

If the menu key was depressed, as determined at the decision block 659,then the bowler input station display is updated at a block 665 and agames menu is displayed on the overhead monitor at a block 666.Particularly, the games menu includes a numbered listing of possiblebowling games from which the bowler may request. A decision block 667waits until a bowler has made a selection as by depressing a number onthe bowler input station keypad 328 corresponding to the number of thedesired game. Once this selection has been made, the system gets the keycode for the number at a block 668 and at a block 669 transmits to themanager's computer a request for the game associated therewith. Adecision block 670 determines whether or not the game is available atthe manager's computer 32. If not, then at a block 671 a message to thiseffect is displayed on the overhead monitor 20 along with the gamesmenu. If the game is available, then an indication is made at a block670-1 that a different game is requested. Thereafter, or if the game isnot available, the routine ends and returns to the overall systemoperation.

If the enter name key has been depressed, as determined at the decisionblock 660, then the howler input display is updated at a block 672 andthe bowler is prompted at a block 673 to enter the names of the bowlers.A decision block 674 waits until a name has been entered as indicated bythe enter key being depressed, and responsive thereto gets theparticular bowler name at a block 675. A decision block 676 determineswhether or not names for the maximum number of bowlers for the game havebeen entered, or the enter key has been depressed. If not, then controlreturns to the block 673 to prompt the bowler to enter another name. Ifyes, then the routine ends.

If the start bowling key has been depressed, as determined at thedecision block 661, then the bowler input station display is updated ata block 677. At a block 678 the overhead monitor 20 displays a promptfor the bowler to select a golf course and number of holes to be played.In the preferred embodiment, the game program may provide for theselection of a plurality of different golf courses, along with aselection for nine or eighteen holes or frames. The golf courses differin the pin pattern provided for each of the holes or frames. The system,responsive to the bowlers selection, gets the course information for theselected game at a block 679. This information replaces the gamevariables set at the block 572, see FIG. 25B, if a different course isselected. Thereafter, the routine ends.

If the clear last game scores key has been depressed, as determined atthe decision block 662, then a decision block 680 determines whether ornot a game is in progress. If a game is in progress, then the game isterminated at a block 681. Thereafter, or if no game is in progress,then the scoring information from the lane database block is cleared ata block 682 and the routine ends.

If the practice key has been depressed, as determined at the decisionblock 663, then a decision block 683 determines whether or not a game isin progress. If not, then the pinsetter must be started at a block 684.Thereafter, or if no game is in progress, a new set of pins is set at ablock 685, and at a block 686 a message is displayed on the overheadmonitor 20 at a block 686 indicating that the bowler is playing in apractice mode. This set of pins may be ten pins or less, as desired. Theroutine then ends. If the change score key has been depressed, asdetermined at the decision block 664, then the bowler input display isupdated at a block 687 and the overhead monitor display is modified toinclude prompts instructing the bowler to make the necessary scorecorrection. Also, a cursor is provided on the display which can be movedto each score position using the arrow keys of the changes key section366 of the bowler input station 18, see FIG. 15. A decision block 689waits for any key to be depressed. If a key is depressed, then thesystem gets a code for the key at a block 690, updates the score on theoverhead display score sheet S, see FIG. 26, at a block 691 to reflectthe change, and revises the scoring information in the lane databaseblock at a block 692. Thereafter, a decision block 693 determineswhether or not the bowler desires to quit the score correction functionas by depressing the quit/escape key. If not, then control returns tothe decision block 689 to wait for another key to be depressed. If thebowler has requested to quit the score correction function, then themonitor is returned to display the normal scoring information at a block694 and the routine ends.

If no key has been depressed at either of the bowler input stations 18or 42, then a decision block 695 determines whether or not a messagedisplay command has been received from the manager's computer 32. Ifnot, then the routine ends. If a message command has been received asabove at the block 609, then a decision block 696 determines whether ornot the command stored in the buffer is a clear message command. If not,then the buffered message is displayed on the overhead monitor 20 at ablock 697. If the command is a clear message command then the message iscleared from the monitor at a block 698. From either block 697 or 698,the routine ends.

With reference to FIG. 25H, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe check game timers routine of block 570, see FIG. 25A. Control beginsat a decision block 700 which determines whether or not the one minutetimer has timed out. The one minute timer is used to provide anindication when time related accounting data is to be updated. Thisupdated data is part of the lane database block which is periodicallyuploaded to the manager's computer 32. If one minute has elapsed, thenthe accounting data is updated at a block 701 and any portion of thelane database block which is charged thereby is uploaded at a block 702.Thereafter, the one minute timer is reset at a block 703. Subsequently,or if one minute has not elapsed, then a decision block 704 determineswhether or not the bowler input station user input time out hasoccurred. This occurs if the bowler has not made a necessary selectionat the bowler input station within the preselected minimum period oftime. If the time out has not occurred, then the routine ends. If thereis a time out, then the user function is aborted at a block 705 and thebowler input station display is updated at a block 706. The bowler inputdisplay is generally updated by flashing the left lane and right lanekeys so that the bowler can make any available selection thereafter.Subsequently, the routine ends.

As is apparent from the above, the simulated golf game is operable uponbeing set up and initiated to cycle the system through nine or eighteenholes or frames. Within each frame, a preselected pin pattern eachcomprising any number and pattern of pins is set on the deck for eachbowler, each bowler being allotted a maximum number of balls to knockdown all of the pins. The scoring is determined by the number of ballsthe bowler uses in each frame or hole to knock down all of the pins. Thescore is automatically calculated and displayed on the overhead monitoralong with a graphic illustrating the pattern of the standing pins atany given time.

The game program for the simulated golf game, as represented by the flowdiagrams of FIGS. 25A-25H can be used generally for any of a pluralityof different bowling games. As such, a somewhat generic game program canbe provided. The principal difference between the different gamesresides in the overhead displays produced thereby for display on themonitor 20 along with the scoring algorithm.

Carousel Bowling Game

An example of an alternative bowling game is described in Brim pendingapplication, Ser. No. 118,245, filed Nov. 9, 1987, owned by the assigneeof the present application, the specification of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. This bowling game provides for tenframes of bowling with a sequence of differing pin set ups beingselected, the differing pin setups having a constant number of pins,less than ten, for each frame. For example, a game may comprise tenframes of nine pins each for the "missing" pin varying in each frame.The scoring is determined exactly as in the conventional ten pin bowlinggame, except of course that a bowler is given one "free" pin in eachframe since it is only required to knock down nine pins per frame. Thisgame is referred to herein as carousel.

With reference to FIG. 27, a graphical representation is provided of atypical scoring display to be provided on the overhead monitor 20 underthe control of the carousel game program. Particularly, the displayincludes an upper section having a graphic portion illustrating the pinpattern PP set on the deck at any given time. The lower section of thedisplay illustrates a conventional bowler score sheet where the bowlersnames may be entered, as well as the score for each frame dependent uponthe number of pins which are knocked down, including allowance forspares and strikes.

A flow chart for the carousel game is very similar to that of thesimulated golf game shown in FIGS. 25A-25H. Accordingly, only thedifferences therebetween are specified herein. Specifically, theupdating of the overhead differs in the specific graphic shown althoughboth illustrate the pin pattern. Also, a basic bowling score sheet isshown instead of a golf type score sheet in the lower section of thedisplay. With reference to FIG. 25F, specifically the block 642, insteadof updating the ball count on the overhead, the carousel game updatesthe overhead to indicate scoring in a conventional manner, as a functionof the number of pins which have been knocked down, rather than thenumber of balls thrown. Also, the decision block 646 operatesdifferently in that a frame is defined by a bowler knocking down all ofthe pins or throwing the maximum of two balls in the frame, except forthe possibility that three balls may be thrown in the tenth frame. Thedecision block 643 determines when the game is complete after a bowlerhas completed ten frames. With reference to FIG. 25G-1, in the carouselgame the blocks 678 and 679 are not utilized as there is no need toselect a particular golf course or number of holes. However, theprogram-could be modified to enable the bowler to select the number offree pins to be provided in each frame according to the desired level ofdifficulty for the game. In all other respects, the bowling games arevirtually identical.

System Description Manager's Control

Manager's Computer

The purpose of the manager's control system 26 is to allow the bowlingcenter staff located at the manager's control desk to control theoperation of the bowling center and, to maintain certain administrativedata about transactions that take place in the bowling center during theday. The manager's computer 32, see FIG. 2, is capable of handling thenumber of transactions generated by league bowlers on one hundred andtwenty eight lanes. This activity includes the normal pin falltransactions as well as peak activity at the end of a game or at the endof a league time. After the completion of a game, scores are beingprinted out, information is being transferred to and from the leaguerecord service computer 34 and new games are being downloaded to thegamemakers 74.

The manager's computer 32 utilizes circuits substantially identical tothat for the gamemaker 74. These circuits are discussed above relativeto the block diagrams of FIGS. 12A-12D.

Peripheral Devices

The manager's computer 32 communicates with the league record service,or LRS, computing system 34 and the modem 36 using the serial interfaceDUART 265, see FIG. 12D. The intention of the LRS system is to automateleague operation in a bowling center. The manager's computer is capableof inputting operator information for controlling the LRS 34 and tocontrol information exchanged between the LRS 34 and the gamemakers 74.

The manager's computer 32 accepts an input of up to a four digit leaguenumber from an operator for transmission to the LRS system 34. The LRSsystem sends information on bowler lineups back to the manager'scomputer 32 to be sent to a specific gamemaker 74 for the requestedleague as designated by the LRS 34. The information relates to, forexample, a lane pair and includes LRS League I.D. Number, the team namefor each lane, and individual bowler information records.

When the LRS system 34 transfers a lineup roster to a particulargamemaker 74, it expects to receive score information back from thespecific gamemaker 74. If teams are moved to another gamemaker 74, theLRS system must be informed of this change so that it will relate gamescore information from the new gamemaker 74 assignment properly. Thisalso results in the lineup information being retransmitted to the newgamemaker 74. To implement such a move the manager's computer 32,responsive to operator inputs, transmits to the LRS 34 the lane numbercurrently set up for use and the one to be used in place of it.

The LRS system 34 waits for all information from all gamemakers 74associated with the league to be completely received before it processesthe data. If for some reason data is not to be sent back from aparticular gamemaker 74, then the LRS system 34 must be informed not toexpect it. Therefore, the manager's computer 32 transmits to the LRSsystem 34 an indication of a lane to be disconnected. Additionally, afacility is provided so that in the event of LRS system failure, the LRSoperation is cleared from the gamemaker 74.

As individual league games are completed, the manager's computer 32transfers game information back to the LRS system 34. This is doneautomatically with the additional ability for the operator to force theinformation transfer. As game information is sent back to the LRS system34, the LRS system 34 acknowledges that it has received the information.

The manager's computer 32 communicates with the modem 36 and controlsoperation of the modem 36 for communicating with remote computers. Themodem 34 is used for remote diagnosing of software problems in thebowling center system and for updating software.

Manager's Local COM Line Devices

The manager's computer 32 controls operation of the remaining associateddevices utilizing the RS232 communication circuit 38 connected to thelocal COM line 29. This converter circuit 38 is identical to theconverter circuit 78 associated with the gamemaker 74, discussed aboverelative to FIG. 13. Therefore, reference should be made to thediscussion relative to FIG. 13 for a detailed description of the RS232converter circuit 38.

An RS232 converter circuit 38 controls the interface with the videoswitch 40. The video switch 40 is identical to the video switch 73associated with the gamemaker 74, discussed above relative to FIGS.16-19. Particularly, the seven VIDEO IN ports are connected to the threelines of the video score transmission line 70 and to four selected linesfrom the video driver 56. The VIDEO OUT ports are not utilized sincethis function is performed by the video driver 56. The SCORE IN portsare connected to three of the video sources 52. The three SCORE OUTports are connected to the input side of the video driver circuit 56.The video monitor switches 372 receive RGB video signals over lines 58L,58R and 58S from the manager's computer 32. The lines 58L, 58R and 58Scorrespond to the respective lines 274-276, see FIG. 12C, from the RGBdriver circuits 262-264. The RGB video signals from the monitor switches372L, 372R and 372S are respectively connected to the RGB monitors 72L,72R and 72S.

The video driver circuit 56 comprises conventional amplifier circuitsfor each of the seven video lines. The amplifier circuits enabletransmission of the video signals to all of the lane pair controlsystems 16. The audio driver circuit 62 also includes conventionalamplifier circuits. In the preferred embodiment, the audio signals whichare transmitted comprise monaural type signals. However, the systemcould be implemented transmitting stereo signals, as is well known tothose skilled in the art.

The video switch 40 is operable in conjunction with the video drivercircuit 56 to multiplex video information over the seven videotransmission lines from up to ten video sources, namely the seven videosources 52 and the three video score transmission lines 70.Particularly, the video driver circuit 56 receives video signals overthe video lines 53 directly from four of the video source devices 52.The remaining three video signals are received over the line 60 from theSCORE OUT port of the video switch 40. The video output switch 374 ofthe video switch 40, see FIG. 16, can be controlled to selectivelyconnect the SCORE IN ports, which are connected to the remaining threevideo source devices 52, or in conjunction with the monitor switches 372and the video input switch 370 to connect any of the three video scoretransmission lines 70, which are connected to the VIDEO IN ports, to theSCORE OUT ports.

As discussed above relative to the video switch 73, normally the SCOREIN ports are connected directly to the SCORE OUT ports so that the sevenvideo signals amplified in the video driver circuit 56 are generated bythe seven video source devices 52. When it is desired to operate in thetournament mode, the video switch 40 is controlled in order tointerconnect a selected VIDEO IN port with a selected SCORE OUT port sothat scoring information from a score transmission line 70 isretransmitted over a global video transmission line 61 for display atselected monitors throughout the bowling center.

The video switch 40 is operable using the monitor switches 372, seeFIGS. 16 and 18, to transmit RGB video signals from the manager'scomputer 32 to the monitors 72. If it is desired to display scoreinformation from a particular gamemaker 74, then the video input switch370 and the appropriate video monitor switch 372 are switched under thecommand of the manager's computer 32 to connect the particular videoscore transmission line 70 to one of the three monitors 72. Similarly,if it is desired to view a video program from one of the video sources52, and if such video is received at one of the four VIDEO IN ports fromthe video driver circuit 56, then it can be switched in a similar mannerto any of the monitors 72.

Although the video/audio control system 28 is described utilizing sevenvideo source devices 52 and seven global video lines 61 and audio lines68, additional sources and/or lines could be utilized. Particularly,additional source devices could be multiplexed through suitableswitching devices for transmission over the seven lines. By addingadditional driver circuits and the capacity of the switching circuits,the number of global lines could also be increased, if necessary ordesired.

The bowler input stations 42 are identical in construction to the bowlerinput stations 18 associated with the lane pair controls 16. For aspecific description thereof, reference can be made to the disclosurerelated to figures 14 and 15 hereof. Specifically, one of the functionsof the manager's bowler input station 42 is to remotely override theoperation of the bowler input station 18 at the lane pair, as for scorecorrection, or any other bowler input functions. Therefore, the keyboardoverlay 328 at the bowler input station 42 generally includes the"Changes" key section 366 to enable score correction to be accomplished,as is discussed in greater detail below.

The printer 46 is a conventional graphics type printer interfaced to themanager's local COM line 29. The printer is used to print score sheetsand other information in a character graphic format similar to thatdisplayed on the monitor 72. The printer 46 is utilized to obtain a gamescore printout for any of the most recent ten current game score resultsfrom any of the lanes. The lane control 16 can be configured by themanager's computer 32 under the game control process, such that thelatest game score results, or series of game score results, areautomatically printed when the scoring information is uploaded to themanager's computer 32 and the lane is cleared. The specific print out isfor the type of game which was in use at the lane. Up to ten suchprinters could be utilized. Also, up to ten coupon printers could beconnected to the COM line 29 using converter circuits 38. The couponprinters could be utilized, for example, for prize awards.

The manager's computer 32 communicates with the DTS cash register 50 forhandling charge control accounting information. This information relatesto various manners of billing or payment for lane rental within thecenter. For lane set up and termination, the DTS cash register 50transmits requests to set up lanes for use, to extend the current timeperiod or allowed number of games or frames, or to clear current use.Responsive thereto, the manager's computer 32 handles the turning on andsetting up of a selected gamemaker 34. For accounting purposes, themanager's computer 32 keeps track of the actual usage of the lane. Themanager's computer accounts for time and games or frames bowled in thevarious modes of gamemaker operation and transmits same to the DTS cashregister 50 for appropriate charge control of a bowler.

The DTS cash register 50 is a Data Terminal System model 521 electroniccash register which interfaces with the manager's computer 32 over themanager's local COM line 29 through the DTS interface board 48. The DTSinterface board 48 comprises a Z-80 processor based terminal interfacecomputer board connectable to the DTS interregister communications bus.The interface board 48 is RS232 compatible. The cash register 50provides all information necessary to facilitate a convenient billingand charge control system. Particularly, the cash register 50 can be setup to operate in a prepaid mode or a post paid mode wherein a customerpays for bowling either before or after completion thereof. In theprepaid mode, a bowler pays the cashier either to play a specifiedbowling game or play from a preselected menu of bowling games for apreselected period of time. The particular bowling games selected woulddepend on the amount paid. Thereafter, the cash register transmitsinformation to the manager's computer 32 indicating that the bowlershould be allowed to play a bowling game on a given lane. Thereafter,the manager's computer 32 is operable to set up the specified lane foroperation. The post paid mode operates similarly, except that payment ismade when the bowler has completed playing.

Each of the three keyboards 44 is a conventional IBM PC AT type andgenerates a serial format signal. Each keyboard 44 includes aconventional typewriter style alphanumeric keypad as well as a pluralityof function keys. The keyboard 44 is used as an operator input device tothe manager's computer 32.

The video source devices 52 comprise video cassette recorders/players orlaser disk players which provide for playback of video and audio signalsto monitors within the system. One example is the Pioneer Laser DiscPlayer, Model LD-V6000 Version 3, the User's Manual of which, numberTP109 Version 3.2, dated Sep. 14, 1984, is hereby incorporated byreference herein. The Laser Disc player includes an RS232 interfacecircuit for connection to external control devices from which commandsignals are received. Via this interface, two way transfer of commandsignals is possible. These codes can be used to initiate the playback ofa selected program stored on a video disk. In this sense the video diskacts as a memory device. The disk player reads video and audio data fromthe disk, converts the data to the appropriate format and generatesvideo and audio signals representative thereof for transmission on thelines 53 and 54. The serial input circuit is operable to select theparticular program or segment on the disk to be played for transmittingthe necessary video and audio signals over the respective audio andvideo lines 53 and 54.

Manager's Computer software

The manager's computer 32 utilizes a software system consisting of agroup of processes or tasks executing under control of the MicrowareSystems Corporation OS-9/68000 operating system. This operating systemprovides real-time multi-processing capabilities in addition to aUNIX-like file system interface. During power up, the system runsthrough a series of diagnostic routines which are resident in the EPROM204, see FIG. 12A. If the routines are completed successfully, then thediagnostics determine that the board is configured as a manager'scomputer 32 and passes control to the OS-9 routine resident in the EPROM204. The boot routine then causes booting of the OS-9 operating systemoff of the floppy disk 272 or the hard disk 270, see FIG. 12D.

Interprocess communication is carried out using the standard features ofthe OS-9 operating system, in particular the "data module", the "pipe"and the "events signal" features. Data modules are a high speed methodof sharing or transferring data between processes. Pipes are a method ofconnecting the output of one process with the input of anotherconcurrently executing process in a FIFO manner. Event signals(semaphores) are a mechanism for synchronizing the activities of two ormore processes and for protecting a shared system resource from beingaccessed simultaneously by several concurrent processes.

The manager's computer operating system has multiple processes runningconcurrently controlling various devices, such as the global and localCOM lines, 27 and 29 respectively, the serial ports 266 and 267, thehard disk 270 and the floppy disk 272. Most processes are designed toplace themselves into a suspended state via a "sleep" system call inorder to take them out of the execution queue. The sleeping processesare awakened when they have available whatever data or conditions areneeded to complete their tasks thereby loading down the main CPU 200 aslittle as possible with the execution of processes that have no usefulwork to accomplish. The high-level executive is awake and running at alltimes in order to coordinate the various sub-processes running under itscontrol.

With reference to FIG. 28, a block diagram represents a process overviewfor software operations of the manager's computer 32.

A number of individual processes constitute the manager's computersoftware. Many of the processes are not normally accessed directly bythe main CPU 200 but instead operate in response to information receivedover either of the COM lines 27 or 29. The processes receive theinformation over their own private pipe. This pipe provides the queueingneeded to allow the manager's computer to handle several similaroperations at once such as multiple game down loads. The processes spendmost of their time asleep. They are awakened by their respective globalor local COM watcher sub-processes 750 and 752 when information foreither has been received over its associated COM line 27 or 29. Theawakened process then processes the received information. When theprocessing has been completed, the process checks for more data in itspipe, indicating that service requests had arrived while the lastrequest was being serviced. If more data is found, then the cycle isrepeated. If the read to the pipe is not successful, indicating that norequest had arrived since the last one that had activated the process,then the process puts itself to sleep to remove itself from theexecution queue.

The following is a list of major processes included in the system:

1. System start up/configuration;

2. Communications managers

3. Lane control

4. Game control

5. Score correction

6. Printing

7. cash control

8. Modem control

9. Video switching

10. Video disk control

11. League record service

The system start up/configuration process is run immediately after theOS-9 operating system has been booted off of disk, has been initialized,and is running. This process differs from all of the others in that itis actually a shell command file rather than an OS-9 task. It createsthe various pipes and semaphores needed by the other tasks and alsospawns the different processes needed on the manager's computer. Anyneeded information such as process ID numbers are passed to the createdprocesses as required. This process terminates upon completion. Thecreated processes are responsible for initializing themselves and forreading any required configuration data from the system configurationfile.

The communications manager process includes global and local COM watchersub-processes 750 and 752, respectively, which handle the receipt ofinformation from the respective master and local COM lines 27 and 29respectively. The process is awakened whenever any device on theassociated COM line needs servicing. The process evaluates the requestand passes the received information to the appropriate process. A globalCOM talker sub-process 754 is the only process that talks on the globalCOM line 27. All of the other processes must communicate on the globalCOM line 27 through this sub-process. The global COM talker sub-process754 is normally asleep but is awakened by any other processes placingdata into the global COM line data out pipe. When a packet transmissionis completed, it checks for more data in the incoming pipe. If data ispresent, then the transmission sequence is repeated, otherwise thecommunications manager process puts itself to sleep. A local COM talkersub-process 756 operates in exactly the same manner as the global COMtalker sub-process 754 except for obtaining data from a local COM lineoutput pipe when talking to the local COM line 29.

A score back up sub-process records the pin falls and game state data ofall games in progress throughout the bowling center automatically undercontrol of the communications manager's process. The in progress data issaved to a lane data base block 758 of memory in the manager's computerCMOS RAM 206. This is a different process from the score back up whichis done as part of closing out of a game since that data is recorded onthe hard disk 270.

The lane control process, discussed more specifically below, consists ofa set of user interface tasks 760 which interact directly with the userof a manager's computer 32, plus a lane operations control process 762and an error logging process 764. Particularly, the user interfaceprocess 760 is responsible for receiving operator inputs from the localCOM watcher 752, initiating or completing operations in progress at thelanes, and displaying various types of bowling center statusinformation. All of the operator commands are processed through thesetasks. The lane operations control process 762 provides a common controlpoint for changes to lane operational data. Error logging 764 is abackground process to maintain a history of system errors.

The game control process 766 is responsible for servicing game downloadrequests from the gamemakers 74. It makes requests to the communicationsmanager's process to do the actual download. It also handles the closeout of lanes and data back up by saving accounting and score data tohard disk 270.

The score correction process allows the manager to interact with abowler input station 42 connected to the manager's computer 32 as if itwere connected to a gamemaker 74. Additional functions, such as scorecorrection, which may not be available at the lanes, are available tothe manager. This process makes use of the video line allocation taskand video switching to display the lanes video to the manager's computer32.

The printing control process includes a score sheet handler sub-process768, a score sheet printing sub-process 770 and a print spoolersub-process 772. The score sheet handler sub-process 768 receivesrequests from the game control 766 to print a particular game scoresheet using the game data from a lane. The handler passes the data tothe correct score sheet printing task 770 to format the output data. Thescore sheet printing sub-process 770 is a custom program for each gameto provide the unique format required for the game score sheet layout.The print spooler sub-process 772 provides disk spooling and outputcontrol for data being printed.

The cash control process 774 responds to requests from the DTS cashregister 50 on the local COM line 29. Such responses are transmitted tothe lane operations control sub-process 762. The operator is able tostart up or extend lane operation by prepaying for a lane at the cashregister.

Transfer of files from a remote computer and access to the manager'scomputer from a remote terminal via the modem 36 is provided throughstandard utilities supplied with the OS-9 operating system.

The video switching is handled under the video switching process bysending control characters through serial data converter circuits to aserial port on the video switches 73 or 40. No separate task is requiredfor this. However, the allocation of video lines for use by a process isarbitrated by a video line allocation routine, discussed morespecifically below. A video disk control process 776 handles the useraccess to video disk selections by providing a menu created by a menuingutility. The request for a particular menu selection is made to thevideo disk control process 776 which then sends out the proper controlcharacters through the RS232 control circuit 38 to a serial port on theselected video source device 52.

Lane Control Process

The principal purpose of the manager's computer 32 is to providecomputer-assisted control of bowling center operations. The lane controlprocess accepts user commands, partitions the commands into logicalfunctions, and initiates the required processes to perform thesefunctions. In so doing, the lane operations control 762 performs threemajor functions:

1. Display of current bowling center conditions;

2. Operator alteration of center conditions; and

3. Communication to other tasks or to gamemakers 74 to perform thedesired alterations.

The software to support lane control functions uses special functionkeys on the keyboard 44 to execute a specific function. Each functionkey is .associated with a specific software module. Specific functionsutilized are:

1. Bowling center status

2. Bowling center activity accounting

3. Special bowling center support

4. System support and information back-up

5. Bowler support

1. Bowling Center Status

The bowling center status function uses the monitors 72 to provide theoperator with information on current center utilization, which isdisplayed in tabular form. Particular information provided relates to alane number, operational status of the lane, current lane operationselections, such as type of payment and game in operation, and generalinformation such as the current frame and the number of bowlers on thelane. This information is displayed in a variety of formats centeredaround a hierarchy of displays.

A general overview format is capable of displaying status for all lanesin the center, up to 128, on one screen and generally indicates usingstatus codes and colors the lane operations selections and operationalstatus of the lane. The next format is a lane usage format which showsinformation generally necessary for operation of the center for up tosixty lanes. In addition to showing lane status as in the overviewformat, charge information is also shown. A lane operation formatprovides information for up to twenty lanes. In addition to the laneusage format, information relating to the particular game being playedis displayed. Lastly, the lane detail format shows all of the availableinformation for a single lane on one display. The information ispresented in text format. From any of the bowling center status formatdisplays, the operator can progress to a lane set up display.Particularly, the operator enters either a single lane number or rangeof lanes that are to be changed to a common state. The display includespertinent data and directions based on the current items of informationthat are selected. The operator may then enter the changes to beperformed on the lane or lanes.

With the lane set up display, the operator can, for example, assign alane as being in use or vacated, set up a payment mode for the lane,specify a game to be downloaded to the gamemaker 74 for a particularlane and set the lane to provide an automatic score print out at the endof each game or a series print out at the end of a game series, such asin league play.

2. Bowling center Activity Accounting

The bowling center activity accounting function provides the operatorwith a total accounting of the utilization of the center since the lastinstance when the accounting records were cleared. Information isdisplayed in tabular form on the monitors 72. Displays which areavailable under this function include lane usage, game usage, an errorlog, an access log and a score correction log. A lane pair utilizationreport can also be generated. The lane usage display shows the operatora break down of the use of the entire center on a lane by lane basis,broken down into categories for league games, practice games, prepaidbowling, postpaid bowling and lane totals. The game usage display showsthe game and time usage of each game package installed in the system. Itgives the summary of the payment type that was used for each game, alongwith a percentage of use by payment mode and total requests for thegame. The error log is an accumulation of all errors detected by thesystem. The access log accumulates improper access to specifiedmanager's computer functions, including attempts to access privilegedfunctions and attempts to fault the system, such as detection ofcomponents being unplugged.

3. Special Bowling Center Support

The special bowling center support function allows the selection offunctions that assist the operator in the general operations of thecenter. A menu display is provided which shows the sub-functions whichcan be selected:

1. Display on multiple lanes

2. Lane transfer

3. Gamemaker message display

4. Gamemaker color definition

5. Center control

6. Appointments set

7. Time set

8. View video

The operator is prompted to enter the number of the sub-function to beexecuted.

The display on multiple lane sub-function is used for tournament displaywhere it is desirable to display the scoring information from a singlelane or lane pair on the displays on other lanes or lane pairs.Selection of this sub-function results in the manager's computer 32controlling operation of the gamemaker video switch 73 associated withthe single lane pair so that the video scoring data is transmittedtherefrom on the video score transmission line 70. The manager's videoswitch 40 is controlled so that such video scoring information isretransmitted on one of the global video transmission lines 61. Lastly,the gamemaker video switches 73 at other lane pairs are switched so thatthe overhead displays 20L and 20R thereof receive the video scoringinformation from the global video transmission line 61, as discussedabove.

The lane transfer sub-function enables the operator to transfer bowlersfrom one lane pair to another. This is used to move bowlers from adisabled lane without loss of their current information. The operatorenters the lane number from which the information is to be moved and thelane number to which the operation is to be transferred. If cross laneoperation is indicated on the lane information as being transferredfrom, then the operator may request that both lanes of the gamemakershould be transferred. The manager's computer 32 uploads all necessarybowler information from the gamemaker 74 specified. If this can not bedone due to a system problem, then the information that the manager'scomputer 32 has in its own memory can be loaded to the new lane instead.

The gamemaker message display sub-function allows the operator to designand transmit a text screen to a lane or range of lanes. The operator canedit a message for display, save or load a message to or from diskstorage, or send a message to selected gamemakers 74. This sub-functiondisplays the names of available stored messages present on the systemand the names currently loaded for transmission. Messages aretransmitted to a gamemaker 74 from three temporary buffers which allowfor a separate message to be sent to any of its three availabledisplays.

The gamemaker color definition sub-function allows the operator todefine operational conditions and color definition for use at themanager's computer monitor 72 and the gamemaker monitors 20 and 22.Particularly, the operator can designate a color combination for aspecific use at the gamemaker, designate a league sequence which is aset of gamemaker color combinations, and select default conditionssettings.

The bowling center control sub-function allows the operator toselectively turn specific lane facilities on or off. These facilitiesinclude, for example, the gamemaker overhead displays 20L and 20R,pinsetter peripherals, e.g., foul detector unit 92, see FIG. 6, and theball trajectory unit 80. Also, this sub-function allows the operator tocommand the the pinsetter 14 to set a specific configuration of pins, orto inhibit video to the remote area monitor 22 or to disable the remotearea keyboard 24. In the center control sub-function, the operatorselects the lane or range of lanes to be altered. The current settingsfor each lane in the range is illustrated on the monitor 72 and theoperator selects the lanes, the facility to be changed and the state towhich it should be set.

The appointment set sub-function 778, see FIG. 24, is resident in thebowling center system to remind the operator of certain events that areto take place during center operation. The operator can set the systemto have a message which is stored on the hard disk 270 appear on theerror/message line allocated in the format of each display. Thissub-function is used to set the entries used to display these messages.The calendar clock circuit 221, see FIG. 12A, provides the time and daynecessary to generate such a reporting function.

The time set sub-function allows the operator to view or set the currenttime and date stored at the manager's computer 32.

The view video sub-function is used when it is desired to preview on amonitor 72 a video display segment from one of the video source devices52 having their associated video output lines 53 connected directly tothe video driver circuits 56. This sub-function can also be used to viewthe video score display from a particular gamemaker 74 when in thetournament mode. Particularly, this sub-function results in the videoswitch 40 being controlled to switch one of the video signals receivedat one of the seven VIDEO IN ports to one of the monitors 72 at themanager's control desk. Specifically, the video switch 40 is controlled,as discussed above, so that the selected monitor receives video signalsfrom the selected score transmission line 70 or video line 61 ratherthan from the manager's computer video line 58.

4. System Support and Information Back-Up

The system support and information back-up function allows selectionsthat assist the operator in controlling the system. The selection allowsan operator to change system configuration, set default operationconditions, and access support facilities. Because the operation of theselections available under this function affect the system operation,security authorization is required before any selection is made. Theoperator must enter an identification and a corresponding passwordbefore the menu of selections can be accessed. The sub-functions whichthe operator may access include:

1. Manager's computer terminal set up

2. gamemaker game support

3. Default function set up

4. System information back-up/restoration

5. Password entry

6. center lane configurations

7. System shutdown

8. Remote diagnostics

The manager's computer terminal set up sub-function allows the operatorto alter terminal device information related to the manager's computer32. Up to three monitors 72 and keyboards 44 can be connected to themanager's computer 32. If desired, the area of the center that can becontrolled by a particular terminal may be specified. Thus, differentoperators would only be concerned with a portion of the center. Also,color definitions for manager's computer functions and global functionscan also be specified under this function.

The gamemaker game support sub-function allows the operator to perform avariety of operations relating to the game modules that are downloadedto the gamemaker 74. Specifically, the operator may load a new game foruse in the system from the floppy disk and define game options defaultsettings for each game which includes any such options.

The default function setup sub-function permits default values to bepredefined for various functions in the system. This allows the operatorto define various parameters and a default setting of these parametersbased on other parameters. For example, when setting up a lane, ifprepaid time is selected, then a default print out selection or ratelevel may be defined.

The system information back up/restoration sub-function allows theoperator to save or restore different areas or files on the manager'scomputer hard disk 270. For example, the operator can save activityaccounting information relating to either lane or game utilization tofloppy disk before clearing it from the system. Also, default parameterinformation can be saved. If new software updates become available, thenthe operator can install the new software off of a floppy disk for usein the system. Depending on the new program loaded, the operator mightbe instructed to restart the system to make use of the new program.

The password entry sub-function permits up to fifteen passwords to bedefined. This allows up to fifteen individual operators to be defined tohave privileged access to a variety of functions in the system, witheach such operator being assigned a specific access level.

The lane configuration sub-function allows alteration to theconfiguration file which contains entries that define thecharacteristics of the bowling center for specific lanes.

The system shutdown sub-function is used when the manager's computer 32is to be turned off, since the shut down must be done in a controlledand orderly fashion. This sub-function is used by the operator toperform all necessary operations previous to shutting off power on themanager's computer.

The remote diagnostics sub-function is used to access the results of anygamemaker's power up diagnostics. Also, this sub-function can be used tocommand the gamemaker 74 to perform diagnostic routines. Resultsreceived from the gamemaker 74 are used in generating the error logdisplay discussed above under the bowling center activity accountingfunction.

5. Bowler Support

The bowling support function allows the operator to support bowlers at agamemaker 74 from the manager's computer 32. Facilities availablethrough this function include score sheet or ball trajectory printing ondemand, change game options and gamemaker user interface operation. Thescore sheet on demand sub-function allows the operator to have a scoresheet printed out. The ball trajectory raw data on demand sub-functionallows the operator to have raw data from a ball trajectory recordprinted out. In either case, the operator enters the lane number fromwhere the score sheet or trajectory data is to be printed. In the lattercase the bowler name, frame and ball number must also be entered. Thegamemaker user interface operation allows the operator to interface withgamemaker functions remotely from the manager's computer 32. An initialdisplay requests the lane to which support is to be done. Details ofthis operation are discussed in greater detail below under remote bowlersupport.

Under the change game operation, various options may be selected whichaffect the overall operation of the game. For example, when a bowlersees a certain result, such as a strike or spare, an exciter graphic maybe generated for display on the overhead display 20. In certaininstances, it may be undesirable to use such exciter graphics. Thechange game options sub-function can be used therefore, for example, toset default parameters regarding the use of the particular option duringgame play.

To support the user interface tasks 760, two background tasks which runon the system provide for lane operation control 762 and error log 764.

The purpose of the lane operation control task 762 is to provide acommon control point for all lanes on the system. When an operator taskdesires to make a change to lane operation, it alters a data module inmemory and a hard disk image of that module. This information is alsotransmitted to the gamemaker 74 for that particular lane for backuppurposes. The lane operations control 762 compares this set operation tothe current condition of the lane, which is being automatically updatedby the communications manager's process. The lane operations control 762detects any alterations that need to be made, and transmits simplecontrol oriented commands to the gamemaker 74 to perform such changes.For example, the lane operations control 762 watches the time remainingif a lane is in a prepaid time mode. When the time remaining is lessthan a preselected warning period, the proper color combination toindicate that condition at the lanes is sent to the gamemaker 74. Whenthe time period is complete and the lane is to be automatically shutdown, then the pinsetters 14 and bowler input station 18 are turned off.After the set amount of display time is depleted, then the video screensare turned off.

The error logging task 764 provides a central point for other tasks inthe system to save error occurrence information. If an error is detectedby a task in the system, then a specific code number associated withthat error is passed into a named pipe so that the error occurrence canbe saved. When a code is received this task reads the pipe and takesthat number and saves it into the error log file on the hard disk 270.It also saves the time and date indicating when the code is stored intothe log file.

Lane control Information Structure

In general, all lane control operations deal with the display andalteration of information within the system, either at the manager'scomputer 32, or at the gamemaker 74. The information is stored in eitherthe DRAM 202, the CMOS RAM 206 or on the hard disk 270.

The CMOS RAM 206 is used principally to retain gamemaker statusinformation. The memory is subdivided into equal segments for themaximum number of lanes, one hundred and twenty eight, that can beattached to a manager's computer 32. Information stored in each segmentis an image of an analogous segment held in each gamemaker 74. Thisinformation is the minimum information required for backing up thegamemaker operations on that lane.

A data module comprises an allocated memory section of the DRAM 202which is used to retain information. The main purpose of storage in thismanner is to hold information which is frequently accessed duringmanager's computer operation. In most cases, the information stored inthis manner is a duplication of data stored on the hard disk.

The hard disk drive 270 attached to the manager's computer 32 is usedfor information that must be retained on the system.

The hard disk includes the following files:

1. Lane usage file

2. Game usage file

3. A terminal device configuration file

4. Gamemaker configuration and set up file

5. Game module configuration file

6. Message storage file

7. Reminder messages file

8. Global color/default lane set up data file

9. Gamemaker color combination file

10. Default gamemaker definition file

11. Video segment definition file

12. Password file

13. Game score back up file

14. Ball trajectory data back up file

15. Executable game files

The lane usage file is an accounting of lane usage. It stores time,frame and pinsetter cycle information for each lane, with separateaccumulation by mode. The game usage file is an accounting of gameusage. It holds time, frame and pinsetter cycle information for eachgame, with separate accumulation by mode. The terminal deviceconfiguration file defines the range of lanes that can be accessed byeach manager's computer terminal.

The gamemaker configuration and set up file contains information for theconfiguration on each lane in the system. It includes data on theperipheral components that are attached to each gamemaker 74 for eachlane. The game module configuration file stores all informationpertaining to a game module that is loaded onto the system for use on agamemaker 74. This includes reference information, such as module fileindex and display name string, and operation information, such as laneconfiguration needs and charge rate definition. The message storage filestores text messages which are to be displayed at the gamemakermonitors. The reminder messages file stores messages which are accessedby the appointment set sub-function 778. The global color/default laneset up data file defines the colors that are displayed when a specificcondition exists on a lane. The gamemaker color combination filecontains the settings for the available color combinations to be used atthe gamemaker 74 and the league sequence color definitions. The defaultgamemaker definition file contains gamemaker default operationinformation. This includes, for example, the selection of excitergraphics discussed above.

The video segment definition file includes address information for eachvideo segment available from a gamemaker menu selection at the remotearea terminal 21. Particularly, this address indicates the starting andending position for the particular video segment on a disk loaded into aparticular video source device 52. The password file includes thepasswords for each of the individuals allowed access to the system.

The game score back up files and the ball trajectory data back up filesinclude historical information for the last ten bowling games played oneach lane. The executable game files comprise the actual game programfiles which are downloadable to a gamemaker 74 for game play.

Game Control

The purpose of the game control process 766 is to support the gamemaker74 by initiating the download of game menu files, and executable gamefiles. The game control process 766 also maintains a hard disk copy ofgame usage statistics for all games installed in the system, a hard diskcopy of lane usage statistics for all lanes installed in the system anda hard disk record of pin fall data for the last ten games bowled oneach of the lanes. The game control process maintains game scores forthe purpose of printing score sheets of games in process and initiatesthe automatic printing of game score sheets.

The game control process responds to the following requests:

1. Request game code

2. End of game

3. Lane vacate

4. Print score

5. Request game menu

6. Trajectory data save

7. Database lane transfer

The game code request is transmitted from a gamemaker 74 to themanager's computer 32 when a bowler has depressed the game select key orthe manager's computer lane control process has requested the start of agame that is not currently loaded in the gamemaker's memory. This taskthen initiates transmission of the object file to the gamemaker andupdates the game usage file. If the start of game play has beenindicated by the gamemaker 74, then the lane database block of memory isalso saved as a game fragment. When a bowling game has been completed,the gamemaker 74 automatically signals the end of the game. The gamecontrol process responsive thereto saves the attached lane databaseblock to the hard disk 270. If automatic printing is selected for thelane sending the end of game signal and if the required number of gameshas been completed, then the game control process 766 initiates a gameprint of the specific game files using the score sheet handlersub-process 518. The lane vacate request is used when the gamemaker 74signals that the lane has been vacated. Responsive thereto, the gamecontrol process extracts usage information from the attached lanedatabase block and updates the lane usage file.

Upon command from the manager's computer 32, the gamemaker 74 signalsthat a print of current game status has been requested. The game controltask then saves the attached lane database block to the hard disk 270 asa spool file and initiates a printing function of this spool file. Whenthe gamemaker 74 is initialized on power up, the gamemaker 74 sends therequest game menu signal to the manager's computer 32. The game controlprocess responds by initiating the sending of the games menu file to thegamemaker 74.

The trajectory data save request is used for those games which includethe ball trajectory data. A request indicates that the ball trajectorydata should be saved. The database lane transfer request is initiated atthe manager's computer 32 using the lane transfer sub-function under thelane control process. The game control process 766 responds bydownloading the game which was in process to the new gamemaker 74 and bydownloading the pin fall Journal thereto so that the new gamemaker 74can continue operation of the transferred game.

The last ten games bowled for each lane are stored on the hard disk 270as a fixed length sequential file. This file contains the lane databaseblock received from the gamemaker. Any other data is saved in a separatevariable length sequential file. The game control process 766 isresponsible for creating the files and maintaining a chronological indexthereof. Fragments of games and temporary games are stored as a completegame but are flagged as a fragment for purpose of printing control.

The game control process 766 consists of one module that is executed atsystem start up. The process continues in operation until the system isshut down. Because the game control process 766 is only required toprocess gamemaker data when requested by the gamemaker 74, the programis asleep until it receives a signal that something requiring itsattention has occurred, processes the waiting request, and then returnsto sleep.

Video Line Allocation

The bowling center system includes seven global video lines 61 and audiolines 68 extending throughout the bowling center which may be used forvarious purposes, such as tournament display, VCR or laser disk playbackto remote monitors 22, or remote bowler support at the manager'scomputer 32. The various devices in the system are interconnectedutilizing the video switches 40 and 73. Nevertheless, it is necessary tomanage these lines in such a way that it is not possible to place morethan one video source on a single line at the same time, althoughseveral video display devices may be connected simultaneously todifferent lines.

The video line allocation routine is used by any system process whichrequires use of a video line. This routine does not send the necessaryCOM line commands to cause video line switching. Instead, it maintains adata base of the current status of all video lines. Particularly, thedata base maintains an available/in-use status. When a program orfunction needs to use a video line, the video line allocation routinedetermines if any lines for the requested purpose are available, andreturns to the requesting program the lowest numbered line available forthe program or function. When a request is received, the routinesearches its internal data base to find a line marked as available andreturns the number of the first line found. When a process is finishedwith a line, a request is made to release the line.

Global COM Line Communications Format

1. Manager's Computer Commands

The following table, No. 3, includes a listing of the commands which areentered in the first portion of the SDLC I-field, see FIG. 23, fortransferring a command from the manager's computer main CPU 200 to theGCOM CPU 230. Selected ones of these commands result in transmission ofdata over the global COM line 27 to a gamemaker 74.

                  TABLE NO. 3                                                     ______________________________________                                        No.          Command                                                          ______________________________________                                        1            Pass on thru                                                     2            Vacate lane                                                      3            Prepare for new game download                                    4            Lane control                                                     5            Remote bowler support                                            6            Set colors on overhead                                           7            Send database for print out                                      8            Lane transfer                                                    9            Game options                                                     10           Switch video                                                     11           Peripheral control                                               12           Control to game                                                  13           LRS roster download                                              14           Video segment start                                              15           Video segment done                                               16           Video segment not available                                      17           Video segment queue full                                         18           Remote terminal control                                          19           Trajectory parameters                                            20           Game download                                                    21           Download remote area                                             22           Game database download block                                     23           Message to display on overhead                                   24           Message clear                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The "pass on thru" command, No. 1, is used when it is necessary to issuea command from the manager's computer 32 as though it was instead issueddirectly from a Gamemaker 74. Specifically, the command includes a passthru station address which comprises the address on the particulargamemaker's local COM line 75. The remainder of this command comprises agamemaker to slave station command as specified above in the sectionrelating to gamemaker communications. For example, if it is necessary toimmediately stop the operation of the pinsetter, the pass thru commandcan be used to halt operation of the pinsetter 14. This command alsosignals the gamesetter 76 to ignore and pinsetter game commands.Subsequently, this command is used to release the pinsetter from theemergency stop condition and allows the gamesetter 76 to resumeaccepting pinsetter game commands.

The "vacate lane" command, No. 2, is used when it is desired for themanager to shut down the operation of a game.

The "prepare for new game download" command, No. 3, advises thegamemaker 74 that the active game is to overwritten as by downloading anew game, as discussed in greater detail below.

The "lane control" command, No. 4, provides for starting, stopping andcontinuing the game operation. Particularly, this command includesoptions for starting and clearing the lane database, starting andresetting the operation of the game, stopping the operation of the game,continuing the operation of the game with the previous lane database andstopping the gamesetter.

The "remote bowler support" command, No. 5, causes the manager's remotebowler input station 42 to override a selected gamemaker bowler inputstation 18, as discussed in greater detail below. This command mayinstruct the selected gamemaker to start or stop remote bowler support,or may include a key code representing a key depressed at the bowlerinput station 42.

Command No. 6, the "set colors on overhead" sets the default for thecolors which are to be displayed on the overhead monitors 20.

Command No. 7, the "send database for printout" command is used when itis necessary to provide a scoresheet print out while a game is still inprogress.

The "lane transfer" command, No. 8, is used to transfer a game from onegamemaker 74 to a new gamemaker 74, as discussed above relative to thegame control process 766.

The "game options" command, No. 9, is used to enable or disable optionswhich may be used under control of the game program. Such optionsinclude the use of exciter graphics under control of the game program.

The "switch video" command, No. 10, is used to control operation ofeither the manager's computer video switch 40 or any of the selectedgamemaker video switches 73. This command includes data formattedaccording to the particular switching arrangement desired.

The "peripheral control" command, No. 11, is used to turn the overheadmonitors 20L and 20R on or off.

The "center control to game" command, No. 12, is used to turn variousgame peripheral devices, such as the foul detector unit 92, on or off,as discussed above. This command is also issued responsive to anoperator request entered using the keyboard 44 under the bowling centercontrol sub-function of the lane control process, discussed above, toinstruct a gamemaker 74 to set a new set up of pins during game play.For example, if the setting table 108 inadvertently knocks over a pinduring a pick up and sweep operation so that the pin fall data stored inthe gamemaker memory does not accurately reflect the actual standingpins, then the center control to game command can instruct the gamemaker74 to generate a sweep and set command to the gamesetter 76. The "sweepand set" command, command No. 3, from the gamemaker 74 to the gamesetter76, contains pinsetting data entered at the manager's computer keyboard44 to spot the last standing pin pattern on the deck.

The "league record service roster download" command, No. 13, is used todownload the roster of team members for league bowling.

Command Nos. 14-17 are used in conjunction with the video subsystem,described below. Specifically, command numbers 14 and 15 indicate when avideo segment is starting and is finished. Command No. 16 indicates whena requested video segment is unavailable, as when the video disk hasbeen removed or the video source device 52 is unavailable. The "videosegment queue full" command, No. 17, results when a particular videosegment has been requested by more gamemakers 74 then is permitted underthe queue.

The "remote terminal control" command, No. 18, is used to enable ordisable various portions of the remote area terminal operation, such asthe ball trajectory statistical support function.

Command No. 19, the "trajectory parameters" command, sends the gamemaker74 those ball trajectory parameters to be displayed in raw form on theoverhead monitor score sheet display screen.

Command No. 20, the "game download" command is utilized when a gameprogram is downloaded. Specifically, this command instructs the COMtalker sub-process 754 to retrieve the files for the new game andtransfer them to the gamemaker 74. The transfer of a game programinvolves a multiple block transfer over the global COM line 27. Themultiple block transfer is passed to the appropriate gamemaker 74. Thegamemaker 74 receives the transfer as a complete continuous block.

The "download remote area" command, No. 21, is utilized to transfer theremote area terminal software which includes menu control and balltrajectory system control as well as a listing of available games fordisplay by the gamemaker 74. Particularly, this software is transmittedresponsive to the games menu request at power up.

The "game database download block" command, No. 22 is used to replacethe specified lanes database block in a CMOS memory portion 758, seeFIG. 24, from the manager's computer 32.

The "message to display" command, No. 23, is used to transmit a message,as discussed above, under the lane control process to a gamemaker 74 fordisplay on an overhead monitor.

Command No. 24, is used to clear the message from the particulardisplay.

2. Manager's Computer Data Types

The following table, number 4, lists the data type numbers, see FIG. 23,and their descriptions which are transmitted from a gamemaker's main CPU200 to the GCOM CPU 230 for transmission to the manager's computer 32 tobe read by the manager's computer main CPU 200 from the read FIFOcircuit 240.

                  TABLE NO. 4                                                     ______________________________________                                        No.         Data Type                                                         ______________________________________                                        1           Video segment request                                             2           Changing database upload block                                    3           Request for game selection menu                                   4           Request for game download                                         5           New game bowler database upload                                   6           End of game bowler database upload                                7           Vacate bowler database upload                                     8           Print bowler database upload                                      ______________________________________                                    

Data type No 1, "video segment request", is generated responsive to arequest from the remote area terminal 21 for the display of a videosegment. The request includes a code associated with the requestedsegment which refers to the video segment definition file on the harddisk 270. This request is passed to the video subsystem, discussedbelow, which results in the display of the requested video segment atthe remote area terminal 21.

During the playing of a game, pin fall and scoring and other informationis periodically uploaded from the. gamemaker 74 to the manager'scomputer 32.

Data type No. 2, "changing database upload block", is used toperiodically transmit score and other data from the gamemaker 74 to themanager's computer 32 to replace the specified back up lane databaseblock.

Data type No. 3, "request for game selection menu" is generated at powerup and results in the manager's computer 32 transmitting the remote areaterminal software to the gamemaker 74 as by issuing command No. 21.

Data type No. 4, "request for game download", is transmitted after abowler has selected a new game number from the game selection menu.

If a different type of game is requested by a gamemaker 74, data typenumber 5 results in a lane database block being uploaded to themanager's computer 32 with an indication that this was caused by a newgame request. If a game is completed by all bowlers, data type number 6results in a full lane database block upload made to the manager'scomputer with an indication that this was caused by the end of a game.When the manager's computer 32 requests that the game be vacated, datatype No. 7 results in a full lane database block upload game at themanager's computer 32 with an indication that this was caused by a lanevacate request. If a bowler wishes to have the game score printed on theprinter 46, as when the game has ended, then data type No. 8 is arequest to the manager's computer 32 to-print the score sheet based onthe lane database which has been uploaded for the current game.

Remote Area Terminal Operation

The remote area terminal 21 operates under the control of a remote areaterminal program downloaded to the gamemaker 74 from the manager'scomputer 32, as discussed above. After the program is downloaded andinitialized a remote terminal task is created for operating under thecontrol of GMOS. During system initialization, the video switcher 73 isinitialized, and the remote terminal manager task clears the remote areadisplay 22, initializes the remote area keyboard 24, and the balltrajectory table manager task 400, see FIG. 21, is initialized.

The remote terminal manager task 404 is operable to respond to requestsfrom the remote terminal keyboard 24 and pass control to suitable tasksaccording to a request made therefrom. Such tasks may involve thedisplaying of another menu to the remote area monitor 22, requesting adynamic video segment from a video source device 52, or displaying astatic ball trajectory display.

After initialization, and any time after the "ACTIVITIES" key on thekeyboard 24 is depressed, the remote area monitor 22 displays thefollowing activities menu:

Activities

1. New Games

2. How to Get Started

3. New Bowling System Overview

4. Access Ball Trajectory Display

5. How to Use the Ball Trajectory Unit

6. More Topics

A user may request one of the listed activities by depressing theassociated number key on the keyboard 24. Selection of activity numbers1-3 or 6 provides access to a video subsystem, discussed in greaterdetail below, to cause a dynamic video display program to be shown atthe remote terminal 21. Particularly, the "New Games" activity, No. 1,provides a video display which instructs the user how to play thevarious bowling games available in the bowling center system. The "Howto Get Started" activity, No. 2, provides a user selection of trainingdisplays which are utilized for instructional purposes to providetechniques for improving bowling scores. Selection of the "New BowlingSystem Overview" activity, No. 3, provides a video display segmentillustrating the overall features of the bowling center system accordingto the invention.

Selection of the "access ball trajectory display" activity, No. 4,provides access to the ball trajectory display management subsystem 402.Upon having selected the ball trajectory display activity, a balltrajectory display menu is generated comprising a list of bowlers at thelane pair and a number associated with each bowler. The user isrequested to enter the number associated with one of the bowlers, andthe frame and ball for which a trajectory display should be generated.The frame and ball qualifiers are game dependent variables which areretrieved by the trajectory table management system 400 from the game.The selected trajectory is displayed when the user depresses the "ENTER"key, unless the trajectory is not contained in the bowler's trajectorytable, or is marked invalid, in which case a message to that effect isdisplayed. The ball trajectory display management menu is selected fromthe activities menu and remains displayed until a preselected period oftime has elapsed in which there is no action taken at the remote areakeyboard 24. The display then reverts back to the activities menu.Similarly, if a ball trajectory has been displayed for a preselectedperiod of time, and no interaction is observed at the keyboard 24, thedisplay reverts to the updated ball trajectory display menu.

A ball trajectory graphic display 780 as shown on the remote areamonitor 22 is illustrated in FIG. 29. The display 780 is composed of thefollowing elements:

1. A digitized color image 781 depicting a lane pair;

2. The eight ball locations are indicated optionally by icons 782a-h,see left lane, or a curve 783, see right lane, showing ball position asit traverses the length of a lane;

3. The bowler's name, frame and ball number displayed at the bottom 784of the screen;

4. Actual lane numbers 785 superimposed graphically on the image;

5. A prompt 786 which enables the user to access a "help" menu; and

6. Up to four ball trajectory parameters 788a-d which may be displayedin numerical form on the trajectory display. These parameters arespecified by the default configuration flags downloaded with the currentgame, or optionally, on an individual basis by bowler's using a specialfeatures/options menu, discussed below, at the remote area terminal 21.The four parameters are selected from the domain of values comprising aball trajectory record. In the illustrated display the parameters arefor the entry angle 788a, the background velocity in miles per hour788b, the position of the ball 788c, in terms of Lane boards from theleft or right hand side of the bowling lane at a preselected distance,such as 45 feet from the foul line 789; and the foreground velocity,788d.

The trajectory indication is plotted on the left or right lane imagecorresponding to the lane upon which the ball is actually thrown,Although the illustrated display includes information for both the leftand right lanes, only information for one of the two lanes is displayedat any time. The group of four selected trajectory parameters isdisplayed on the side of the lane image that the ball was delivered on.

If from the activities menu, the user selects activity number 5, "How touse the ball trajectory unit", then the following menu is displayed:

How to Use the Ball Trajectory Unit

1. Demonstration

2. Fundamentals

3. Tips

4. Special Features/Options

Menu options 1-3 cause informational video sequences to be displayedfrom one of the video source devices 52 using the video subsystem.Selection of option No. 4 results in the display of the following menu:

Special Features/Options

1. Statistical analysis at remote terminal

2. Overhead trajectory display

3. Hardcopy report generation

4. Change parameters at remote terminal

5. Change parameters for overhead display

6. Statistical analysis at MCD

The bowling center system includes facilities to perform analysis of astatistical nature. These facilities are available for execution at thegamemaker 74, the manager's computer 32 or the league record service 34.The gamemaker based analysis is enabled optionally from the manager'scontrol system 26, and is treated as game dependent. Each bowler mayselect a single analysis to be run before a game is started using optionnumber 1 from the special features/options menu. Statistical analysisresults may be viewed at the remote terminal 21. They are available forreview on a request until a subsequent game requests analysis, or untilthe lane or lane pair is vacated. The results are printed optionally onthe score sheet printers driven from the manager's computer 32. However,such printing could be accomplished automatically at the end of thegame, as is obvious. If statistical analysis option is not available atthe gamemaker 74, a message indicative of this fact is displayed.

Selection of the option No. 2, for overhead trajectory display, resultsin a video informational sequence being generated related to bowlinggames which utilize ball trajectory data for display or scoring. The"hard copy report generation" option, No. 3, results in a video displaysegment illustrating a facility to generate ball trajectory reportsprinted on the score sheet printers 46 driven by the manager's computer32. These illustrated reports may contain raw data listings oftrajectory information or results of statistical analysis. Selection ofoption No. 4, "Changing parameters at the remote terminal", enables theuser to select the numerical trajectory parameters 788a-d to bedisplayed in conjunction with the ball trajectory display. The initialmenu includes a numbered list of bowler names, as with the balltrajectory display select menu, from which the user selects theappropriate bowler's name. A trajectory display option menu includes tenpreselected groupings of four different ball trajectory parameters, fromwhich a user may select. For example, one of the ten options may includea combination of four of the x-y grid location, or any combination offour grid locations and/or velocity indications and/or the entry angle.Additionally, the user may select whether the trajectory is to be markedwith ball Icons 782a-h or a curve 783 connecting the eight measured balllocations. Once a selection has been made, depressing the return keyexits the user from this function, and returns to the specialfeature/options menu.

Selection of option 5 from the special features/options menu, the scoresheet display option, provides a video demonstration relative to howscore sheet display options may be selected at the manager's controldesk. Particularly, a function is provided which allows for theselection of specific trajectory parameters for display by any gamescore sheet routine. A score sheet trajectory parameter display/selectmenu on the manager's monitor prompts the manager to select three of thetwelve ball trajectory parameters to be displayed as part of the gamescore sheet. An additional selection relates to the use of game defaultparameters. When used, the "use game default" option causes the facilitymanager to override manual selection of the display parameters, andautomatically utilize the default group which is specified within toeach game. If this option is enabled, then the selected parameters onthe monitor are ignored, though they are still indicated as selected.This allows the manager to quickly and efficiently switch the scoresheet parameter display between game dependent default and manualselection.

Option No. 6 results in the display of a video segment illustrating thefeatures of the statistical analysis package which are accessible by abowler.

Video Subsystem

If a video display program or segment, which is resident on a video diskor tape loaded in one of the video source devices 52, is requested, thenthe video subsystem, which is part of the manager's computer software,is utilized to transmit the video information from the particular videosource device 52 to the remote monitor 22. This subsystem can also beused to transmit the video information to an overhead monitor 20. A flowdiagram for the operation of the video subsystem is illustrated in FIG.30.

The video subsystem starts at a decision block 800 which determineswhether or not a video system request has been made by a gamemaker 74.Particularly, such a request: is contained in a data type No. 1 request,discussed above, which includes information passed up from a gamemakerlocal COM device to the manager's computer 32. For example, questing the"new games" activity from the activities menu above, at the remoteterminal would generate such a request. If the video subsystem isrequested, then the video subsystem aborts any active or queued requestsfrom the particular gamemaker 74 at a block 802. Thereafter, a decisionblock 804 determines whether the selected segment or program isavailable at any of the video devices 52. If the segment available, thena decision block 806 determines whether or not the queue for theparticular segment is full. If not, then a queue request is made at ablock 808. If a selected segment is not available, as determined at thedecision block 804, or the queue is full, as determined at the decisionblock 806, then the particular gamemaker 74 is advised of either suchoccurrence at a block 810 as by the issuance of respective command Nos.16 and 17.

If the video subsystem is not requested by the gamemaker as determinedat the block 800, or after the gamemaker has been advised at the block810, or after the queue request is made at the block 808, then adecision block 812 determines for any current queue request whether ornot the video device is available. If the video device is available,then at a block 814, the manager's computer sends a video switchcommand, command No. 10, to the gamemaker 74. Particularly, the videoswitch command advises the game task operating in the gamemaker 74 as towhich global video line 61 the selected segment is to be transmitted on.The gamemaker 74 responds to this command by operating its associatedvideo switch 73 to couple the selected video and audio lines 61-68 tothe remote terminal 21, as discussed above. Thereafter, at a decisionblock 816, the manager's computer determines whether or not any othergamemaker 74 has queued the particular segment. If so, then themanager's computer 32 sends the video switch command to the other suchgamemakers 74 so that they can also operate their video switches 73 toconnect the particular global video line 61 and audio line 68 to theremote terminal 21. Thereafter, at a block 820 the manager's computercommands the particular video device 52, over the local COM line 29, tostart playing the video segment, and advises the gamemakers 74 that thesegment has started using command No. 14. Also, a timer is started.

At a decision block 822, the video subsystem determines whether or notthe segment has finished playing. If not, then a decision blockdetermines whether or not the timer has exceeded a preselected timevalue X which is related to an expected duration of the particular videosegment. If not, then control returns to the decision block 822. If thetimer has exceeded the value X, then the video device is marked as"broken" at a block 826. If the segment is done, as determined at thedecision block 822, then the gamemaker 74 is advised of this fact usingcommand No. 15 at a block 828.

After the gamemaker has been advised that the segment is done at theblock 828, or the device is marked as "broken" at the block 826, or thequeued video device is not available as determined at the decision block812, then a block 830 checks the status of any "broken" video devices. Adecision block 832 determines whether any response is received from a"broken" video device. If a response is received, then at a block 834the video device is marked as being available.

Subsequently, a decision block 836 determines whether or not a gamemaker74 is requesting a message. If not, the subsystem ends. If the gamemakeris requesting a message, then the message file is read from the disk 270at a block 838 and the particular message is sent to the gamemaker 74,using command No. 23, at a block 840. Subsequently, the subsystem ends.

Ball Trajectory Management Subsystem

With reference to FIG. 31, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe ball trajectory management subsystem. Particularly, the balltrajectory management subsystem includes an operation 850 for displayingtrajectory information on a remote monitor 22 using the ball trajectorydisplay manager task 402, see FIG. 21, and an operation 852 performedunder a game task for retrieving trajectory data for display on anoverhead monitor score sheet display.

The remote monitor trajectory display operation 850 begins at a block854 which generates the activities menu, discussed above, for display onthe remote monitor 22. A decision block 856 determines whether from theactivities menu a user has selected activity No. 4, the access balltrajectory display. If so, then at a block 858 the bowler select menu isdisplayed and a timer is started. A decision block 860 then determineswhether or not the bowler selection information has been entered.Particularly, a user must enter the bowler number, frame number and ballnumber for a particular trajectory display. If the selected informationhas not been entered, then a decision block 862 determines whether ornot the timer has exceeded the preselected value X. If not, controlreturns to the decision block 860. If the timer has exceeded thepreselected value X, then the system times out and the ball trajectorymanagement subsystem returns to start to display the activities menu.

If the bowler information has been entered as determined at the decisionblock 860, then the ball trajectory record associated with selectedinformation is retrieved at a block 864. This record includes the eightx-y grid locations, the x location at 45 feet, the foreground andbackground ball velocities, and the entry angle. The trajectory data istransformed to a display format at a block 866 and the ball trajectorydisplay is generated, as discussed above, at a block 868 and isthereafter displayed on the remote monitor 22, see FIG. 29. Also, atimer is started at the block 868.

The ball trajectory display remains displayed on the remote monitor 22for a preselected period of time. Also, the user may request a helpfunction which instructs the user how to proceed. A decision block 870determines whether or not the help function has been requested. If not,then a decision block 872 determines whether or not a preselected timeperiod Y has been exceeded. If not, then control returns to the decisionblock 870. If the preselected time period has been exceeded, thencontrol returns to the block 858 to display the bowler select menu andenables the user to select a subsequent trajectory display. If help isrequested at the decision block 870, then the various help options aredisplayed at a block 874. Thereafter, the sub-system awaits at adecision block 876 until the help function is completed, and the systemsubsequently returns to start.

If at the decision block 856, the trajectory display has not been beenselected, then a decision block 878 determines whether or not thespecial features menu has been selected. If not, then the displayactivities menu remains displayed at the block 854. If the specialfeatures menu has been selected, then the special features/options menuis displayed at a block 880. A decision block 882 then determines if theremote terminal parameters option has been requested. As discussedabove, the remote terminal parameters option enables the user to selectone trajectory display option from a list of ten predefined groups offour trajectory parameters and one of two display options. At a block884, the subsystem gets the particular parameter group number as enteredon the remote keyboard 24 and at a block 886 gets the trajectory displayoption. Thereafter, control returns to the block 880. This informationis subsequently use when a trajectory display is generated. In order toexit the special features section, the user depresses the ACTIVITIES keyon the remote keyboard 74 in order to return to the activities menu.

As discussed above, during game play the gamemaker score sheet videosystem may be operable to display three ball trajectory parameters onthe overhead display 20 under control of the game program task. Theparticular parameters may be selected under the control of the gameprogram or be manually overridden by the manager's computer 32. Theretrieving trajectory display option 852 is used to implement thetransfer of data from the ball trajectory management subsystem to thescore sheet video system. The operation begins at a decision block 890which determines whether or not the score sheet system has requestedtrajectory data. This request is made as part of the "game in progress"task 411, see FIG. 21, after a ball has been thrown. If no request hasbeen made, then the subsystem returns to start. If data is requested,then at a block 892 the requested record is retrieved, and the data isformatted for display at a block 894. This formatted data is transferredto the score sheet video system. Thereafter, the operation returns tostart.

Game File Downloading

Game program files are downloaded from the manager's computer 32 to thegamemaker 74 in multiple blocks. Each block is contained in the K-fieldof an SDLC information free, see FIG. 22. The downloading of a new gamecan be initiated from the bowler input station 18, the manager'skeyboard 44 or bowler input station 42, or via the cash register 50.

With reference to FIG. 32, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe bowling center system for downloading a game file from the hard disk270 to a gamemaker 74. Control begins at a decision block 900 whichdetermines whether or not a bowler has requested a new game. The bowlerrequests a new game by depressing the games menu key on the local bowlerinput station keyboard 328, and subsequently selecting a game from thegame's menu. If the bowler requests a new game, then the gamemaker 74sends a download request to the manager's computer 32 included in a datatype number 4. At a block 904 the manager's computer 32 verifies thedownload request as by sending the command No. 3 instructing thegamemaker 74 to prepare for a new game download.

If the bowler has not requested a new game, as determined at thedecision block 900, then a decision block 906 determines whether or notan operator at the manager's computer 32 has requested a new game for aparticular gamemaker 74. The operator may request a new game as byimplementing a lane set up operation under the bowler center statusfunction as part of the manager's computer lane control process,discussed above or using the remote bowler input station 42 under theremote bowler support operation, discussed below. If the manager has notrequested a new game, then a decision block 908 determines whether ornot a new game has been requested from the DTS cash register 50responsive to payment from the bowler. If not, then the game downloadingoperation ends. If a new game has been requested as determined at eitherdecision block 906 or 908, then the manager's computer by issuingcommand No. 3, at a block 910, advises a selected gamemaker 74 toprepare for a new game download.

Once the manager's computer has issued the prepare for a new gamedownload command at either block 904 or 910, then the gamemaker preparesitself for the new game. This preparation includes performing anyfunctions necessary according to the particular game control program tohalt operation of the game and close out any files relative thereto.Thereafter, at a decision block 914 the gamemaker determines whether ornot the current game program is currently in use, indicating that a gameis still being played. If so, then the game operation is terminated at ablock 916 and the lane database block is uploaded to the manager'scomputer 32 using data type No. 6. In either case, control then advancesto a block 918 where the gamemaker 74 transmits the new database uploadblock, data type No. 5, to the manager's computer 32. Responsivethereto, the manager's computer 32 under the control of the game controlprocess initiates a new lane database block for the subsequent game. Ata block 920, the gamemaker transmits another request for game download,data type No. 4, to the manager's computer 32. This signal istransmitted in order to advise the manager's computer 32 that allnecessary activity has been completed to close out the current gamefile. At a block 922, the manager's computer 32 sends a game downloadcommand, command No. 20, to the communication manager process. Thisrequest includes the name of the selected game and the address of thegamemaker 74 to which the file is to be transmitted. At a block 924, thecommunications manager process retrieves the file associated with theselected game from the hard disk 270, and then performs the actualtransmission of the game file using the global COM talker sub-process754, see FIG. 28, to the selected gamemaker 74 at a block 926. At adecision block 928, the gamemaker waits until the download of the gamefile is complete. Once the download is complete, then at a block 930,the gamemaker 74 is operable to initialize the game program.Subsequently, the bowler's may initiate operation of the game as byentering their respective names and pressing the start bowling key, asdiscussed above. Thereafter, the game file downloading operation ends.

Remote Bowler Support

Under the manager's computer lane control process, discussed above, theoperator has the ability to switch the bowler interface capability fromthe bowler input station 18 located at the staging area 19 to the remotebowler input station 42 located at the manager's control desk. Under theremote bowler support function the manager or operator can perform anyfunctions which would normally be done by a bowler. A common usage forthis operation relates to performing score correction. This isparticularly true in bowling centers where it is desired to providescore correction which can be implemented only at the manager's controldesk and not at the lane pair itself.

The bowler score correction feature is a function of the actual gamebeing implemented by a particular gamemaker 74. The gamemaker 74 may beconfigured to permit score correction using the bowler input station 18at the bowler staging area. Normally, however, the score correction isdone remotely using the manager's bowler input station 42. In the scorecorrection operation, the remote bowler input station 42 becomes aremote terminal to the gamemaker 74, in that it does not directly effectany manager's computer lane control operations. The manager's computerlane database is ultimately affected by the corrections, but the changescome from the gamemaker 74 itself.

The action of remote bowler support, including score correction,involves altering data, not only in the game database, but on the gamedisplay screen as well. Remote bowler support is invoked from a menuselection and/or function key press using the manager's computer lanecontrol process. Since so much data must be transferred to reproduce asingle gamemaker screen, it is more efficient to literally switch themanager's monitor 72 directly to the video output from the gamemaker 74.This is accomplished using one of the three score video transmissionlines 70 which interconnect the video switches 40 and 73. The gamemaker74 must be instructed which video line to drive, and the manager'scomputer video switch 40 must be switched from the manager's computervideo outputs on the lines 58 to the score transmission line 70 selectedfor the gamemaker 74. The gamemaker 74 is instructed to temporarilyignore its associated bowler input station 18 and accept commands overthe global COM line 27 as though the data was coming directly from thebowler input station 18. The manager's computer 32 then routes keystrokes from the manager's bowler input station 42 over the global COMline 27 to the gamemaker 74, and remote bowler support is accomplished.When this operation is completed, all video and bowler input stationoperations are restored to their normal states.

The actions discussed herein to be performed at the gamemaker 74 arediscussed above relative to the game software. Particularly, referencetherefor is made to the description relative to FIGS. 25A-H.

After providing the initial commands to start the remote bowler supportoperation, the manager's computer does nothing more than act as a linkbetween the manager's bowler input station and the gamemaker 74. Sincethe manager's bowler input station 42 includes lights for illuminatingkeys to guide the user through operations, it is necessary during thisoperation for the gamemaker 74 to send switch light control commands upto the manager's computer 32.

With reference to FIG. 33, a flow diagram illustrates the operation ofthe remote bowler support operation. The remote bowler support operationbegins at a decision block 950 which determines whether or not thisoperation has been requested. Remote bowler support is requested underthe lane control process, particularly the bowling support operationfunction. The manager or operator under the lane control processdepresses the bowler support function key and indicates the lane towhich the bowler support is to be done. If the remote bowler support isnot requested, then the operation ends. If remote bowler support isrequested, than at a block 952, the manager's computer 32 initiates aremote bowler input station 42. The bowler input station 42 is initiatedby enabling the function key lights and sending suitable configurationcommands to the bowler input station 42 over the manager's local COMline 29.

Using the video allocation routine, the manager's computer allocates avideo score transmission line 70 at a block 954. Subsequently, at block956, the manager's computer 32 sends a command over the local COM line29 to the video switch 40 instructing the video switch to connect theselected video score transmission line 70 with one of the three monitors72. Particularly, this command causes the video switch 40, see FIG. 16,to operate the video input switch block 370 to connect the input coupledto the allocated video score transmission line 70 to the output channelassociated with the selected monitor. Also, the monitor switch 372associated with the monitor is switched so that RGB video data istransmitted thereto from the video monitor switch composite to RGBconverter 385, see FIG. 18, instead of from the manager's computer 32.

At a block 958 the manager's computer transmits a remote bowler supportcommand, command No. 5, to the gamemaker 74 at which remote bowlersupport is to be implemented. This command includes a start remotebowler support command and a command for operating the gamemaker's videoswitch 73. At a block 960, the gamemaker responds to this command bysending a suitable command to its video switch 73 commanding the videoswitch 73, see FIG. 16, to switch the video output switch block 374 toconnect the selected video driver and selected video score transmissionline, as discussed above. Also, the gamemaker 74 is operable to ignoreany key commands from its bowler input station 18. The result of thiscommand is that the bowler input station 18 is inoperative and the videoscore sheet display on the overhead monitor 20 is also transmitted fordisplay on the selected manager's monitor 72.

In the flow diagram of FIG. 28, those blocks related to gamemakerfunctions are illustrated in dashed lines, as they relate to functionsperformed at the gamemaker as opposed to the manager's computer 32.

At a decision block 962, the remote bowler support operation determineswhether or not a key at the manager's bowler input station 42 has beendepressed. If a key has been depressed, then at a block 964 the keycommand is transmitted over the global COM line 27 to the selectedgamemaker 74. The key is transmitted using the remote bowler supportcommand, No. 5, which includes information relating to a code for thedepressed key. At a block 966 the gamemaker responds to the key commandreceived over the global COM line 27 as if the key was depressed at thelocal bowler input station 18.

To implement the score correction function, the operator uses the"Changes" key section 366 of the bowler input station key pad 328. Thearrow directional keys are used to move a cursor on the monitor and, the"change score" key, the "move score" key, or the "skip bowler" key andthe alphanumeric key pad 358 are used to effect a change on the scoresheet. The actual score change is done in the gamemaker memory, and thenis retransmitted to the manager's computer 32 as part of the lanedatabase block upload function.

If no key has been depressed as determined at the decision block 962, orafter the key command has been transmitted to the gamemaker 74, then adecision block 968 determines whether or not a "quit" function key hasbeen depressed or the remote bowler support operation has timed out dueto inactivity. If not, then control returns to the decision block 962 toawait key commands. The system therefore remains in the remote bowlersupport operation until the quit key is depressed or the operation timesout.

If the quit function is called for, or the operation times out, asdetermined at the decision block 968, then at a block 970 the manager'scomputer 32 transmits a command to the bowler input station 42 to stopsending data and to disable all of the key lights. Subsequently, at ablock 972 the manager's computer 22 sends a command to the video switch40 over the local COM line 29 for the particular video monitor switch372 to switch back to the normal operation to display video from themanager's computer 32, instead of the video score transmission line 70.Also, at a block 974 the manager's computer 32 sends a remote bowlersupport command, No. 5, to the gamemaker 74, instructing the gamemakerto stop the remote bowler support operation. Responsive thereto, at ablock 976 the gamemaker returns to normal operation as by commanding thevideo switch 73 to return to normal operation so that no further scorevideo data is sent over the allocated video score transmission line 70,and also enabling the bowler input station 18. Thereafter, the remotebowler support operation ends and the score transmission line isindicated as available.

We claim:
 1. A bowling lane display control system comprising:a bowlinggame control unit including a central processing unit, a memory meansfor storing data, and a display terminal operable to display videoinformation responsive to a received video signal; means for generatingtrajectory data representing a path of a bowling ball during a time whena bowling ball is in motion on a bowling lane; means coupled to saidgame control unit for sensing when a bowling ball is thrown; meanscoupled to said generating means and said game control unit fortransferring and trajectory data to said game control unit for storingin said memory means responsive to said sensing means sensing that abowling ball is thrown; and a display control means operating under thecontrol of said central processing unit and operable to access saidtrajectory data for transmitting a display signal to said displayterminal, said display signal conveying information representing path ofa ball on a bowling lane.
 2. The bowling lane display control system ofclaim 1 wherein said display terminal comprises a video display deviceand an operator input means for requesting a ball trajectory display,and wherein said display control means transmits said display signalresponsive to a request from said operator input means.
 3. The bowlinglane display control system of claim 1 wherein said bowling game controlunit memory means stores ball trajectory data for an entire bowlinggame.
 4. The bowling lane display control system of claim 1 furthercomprising a remote terminal unit including a video display monitorcoupled to said game control unit and operable to display videoinformation responsive to a received video signal, and a user inputdevice coupled to said game control unit for requesting video displayinformation, and remote terminal control means operatively associatedwith said bowling game control unit and responsive to a user inputrequest for operating said display control means to transmit a displayto said video display monitor.
 5. The bowling lane display controlsystem of claim 1 wherein said display control means transmits a displaysignal operable to illustrate a continuous curve showing path of abowling bail on a bowling lane.
 6. The bowling lane display controlsystem of claim 1 wherein the information conveyed by said displaysignal includes numerical indicia corresponding to preselectedtrajectory data.
 7. The bowling lane display control system of claim 1further comprising means operatively associated with said bowling gamecontrol unit for determining scoring data responsive to playing of abowling game, and wherein said display signal conveys informationrelative to said scoring data and path of a bail on a bowling lane. 8.The bowling lane display control system of claim 7 wherein numericalindicia includes velocity of a bowling ball while in motion on a bowlinglane.